Perhaps the biggest weakness in Onyekuru’s game is his single-mindedness. Even so, the Premier League can be an unforgiving place and it will be important for Onyekuru to make his mark. His aptitude for the defensive side of the game, as well as his decision-making, are still undeveloped (the latter especially).Ī switch to Everton should be beneficial, and hopefully he'll be granted the type of regular first-team football that he probably wouldn't have got had he moved to Arsenal. There is a lot to admire about him, but he is still a teenager, so there are a lot of areas where he can improve. He's shown he can score all types of goals, be it dinks, curled finishes in the manner of his idol and namesake Thierry Henry, and even pirouettes - he didn’t score with that one, but he did win a penalty. When through on goal, he can finish in a number of ways, though he seems to enjoy taking the ball past the goalkeeper. He possesses good movement, especially when he has to spin in behind a full-back he is often up and away before they even know it. In front of goal, Onyekuru is an improviser.
Perhaps it is to do with the fact he runs and dribbles with a straight stance, not hunching – he looks bigger than he is, and dribbles like a taller player. He does have good close control, but relies more on his speed and trickery, often looking like he has shown too much to the opponent before snatching it away. His low centre of gravity (he stands at about 5ft 9in) enables quick changes of direction, but his dribbling style really isn’t defined by it, unlike most players his size. This usually means he can't be stopped without being fouled. He will usually receive the ball deeper and wider, and try to roar past his marker on the outside, before then cutting across him to get a route to goal. While he can play all across the front line, he favours the left as it gives him the space he needs to go through the gears, as well as come inside on his stronger right foot. Admittedly, the peculiarities of the English top-flight do lend themselves to his talents: he is rapid from a standing start, boasting superb acceleration, and is unerringly direct. With Onyekuru having now confirmed he is on his way to Premier League side Everton, we will certainly find out soon enough.