Andre Onana Delivers Xavi-Like Assist in Second Trabzonspor Appearance
Andre Onana wasted no time making his mark at Trabzonspor, producing a moment of pure class in just his second outing for the Turkish side. The goalkeeper, handed the freedom of his defensive third, launched a pinpoint long-range ball that split Gaziantep’s defence and found Paul Onuachu, who finished with composure.
Onuachu, now a permanent signing from Southampton, coolly nicked the ball past the goalkeeper before dinking it over two retreating defenders — a strike that underlined the chemistry already brewing between Trabzonspor’s new-look duo.
It was the kind of play that might leave Ruben Amorim and Manchester United fans scratching their heads, wondering why Onana never provided such an assist during his time at Old Trafford.
Signed for £47.2 million from Inter Milan two years ago, Onana slipped down the United pecking order behind Altay Bayindir and new signing Senne Lammens, prompting his loan move to Turkey. Yet in just two matches, the 29-year-old has shown both sides of his game — brilliance and blunders.
On his debut against Fenerbahce, Onana produced eight saves and earned man of the match despite a 1-0 defeat. Still, his most viral moment was a costly spill that led directly to the winning goal. At half-time, he tried to rally his side with an impassioned speech:
“We have to win this match for this man,” he urged, pointing to teammate Okay Yokuslu after his red card. “We can do this if we stay together. I know it’s hard. We have to do this.”
Although the comeback never came, the scene highlighted his determination to lead.
Fast forward to his second match — a 1-1 draw with Gaziantep — and Onana needed to make only one save. But it was his Xavi-esque assist that stole the headlines, a moment that quickly went viral.
For now, his loan is set to last the season without an option or obligation to buy. If his early performances are anything to go by, Trabzonspor fans can expect plenty more drama — and a fair share of magic — from their new shot-stopper.
