Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall has raved about Orel Mangala in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
The Belgian star wasn’t involved on Saturday after picking up a red card during the recent win over Tottenham.
His performance in that game was quality though and supporters are now excited to see him play more.
Mangala has found games hard to come by this season. He started the games against West Ham and Everton in August but then picked up an injury.
A hamstring problem has curtailed his progress a little bit but when called upon he has looked like a useful player.
Mangala seems like a popular member of the dressing room and it would seem that he’s settling in nicely at the club.
Worrall came into the side for his first league start since September against Palace.
The captain did well to help the team keep a clean sheet and he will hope to remain in the team when the domestic action resumes.
Following the game, Worrall fronted the media and he piled the praise on Mangala despite the fact he wasn’t involved.
He told Forest’s official YouTube channel: “We’ve got quality now.
“Lads who have been at the team. Look how good Orel was against Tottenham. Mangala was fantastic and he was really unfortunate to pick up his red card.
“But, the lads who have been out of the team have really given the manager a headache.”
Worrall raved about Mangala and the future looks bright
The 24-year-old looks like a very talented player. Had he not been suspended for Saturday, he would have given Steve Cooper some serious food for thought.
Mangala has been unlucky with injuries, although they do look to be behind him now.
After the World Cup could be when Forest fans start to see the best of the Belgian. He will hope to reclaim a regular place and start to prove himself again.
Worrall praising him should do his confidence the world of good. Clearly, his talent is being recognised in the dressing room by his fellow teammates.
The team spirit looks to be blossoming among the Forest ranks and that bodes well for the team’s battle against relegation.