Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangala has been hailed for his performance alongside Everton star Amadou Onana by the media in Belgium. Domenico Tedesco’s team secured a wonderful 3-2 victory over Germany on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old has found things a little bit frustrating at the City Ground during 2022/23. Injury struck in the opening months of the campaign and he’s managed just 21 appearances for the Reds.
His form of late earned him a call-up to the Belgium squad and he grasped his chance against Germany with both hands to help his country to a brilliant win during their friendly contest.
Forest added Mangala to their ranks from VfB Stuttgart during the summer. He proved relatively cheap at £12 million and perhaps the Reds got themselves a bit of a bargain with such a deal.
On Tuesday, Mangala was praised for his heroics. It was claimed by Walfoot: “The Nottingham Forest player constantly harassed his direct opponents. He had a great match but above all an exceptional first half hour.
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“His recoveries and restart are quality. He completely muzzled the interplay of the Mannschaft. Mangala constantly harassed the ball and proved hellish to play against for the Germans.
“In a physical sense, he took over. He was simply too fast for Germany and it proved to be a monstrous performance by Mangala.”
Forest midfielder Mangala hailed with even more praise for Belgium showing
It seems a very popular opinion by Tedesco to unleash Mangala on the national team. Tuesday night was the first time he’s started for his country and perhaps he won’t have to wait long for another.
Furthermore, Steve Cooper might have some food for thought after this showing. The Forest head coach has hardly considered him as a primary option in midfield but perhaps he should.
With no wins in six games, Saturday’s game against Wolves really is massive. The Reds need to get a win on the board as quickly as possible and perhaps the combative qualities of Mangala can help with that.