After arriving from Stuttgart for £12.7 million last season, Orel Mangala looked to be a steady Premier League-level signing.
However, under Steve Cooper this season, the 25-year-old has transformed his game to look like a real top-quality midfielder.
In recent times, the Reds boss has utilised a three-man midfield, with Mangala occupying a deep-lying role compared to a box-to-box as seen last season.
Mangala’s new role has seen him become more influential on a regular basis, with his new role suiting his game to a tee.
READ: Nottingham Forest should re-sign £10m star in January, he left in 2019 – Opinion
Mangala’s new role in midfield
With the Belgian midfielder now sitting in front of the Reds’ back four it allows him to regain possession and dictate the play.
The 25-year-old has the highest pass completion rate of any player in the Forest squad, with Mangala completing 87.5% of passes attempted this season.
His new role also plays a huge role out of possession, with Mangala making 13 interceptions so far this campaign, the second-highest of any Reds player since the opening day.
He’s been consistent in every game for the Reds so far this campaign, with his new role transforming his importance to boss Cooper.
Mangala could be a contender for Player of the Season
It may still be early days in the 2023/24 campaign, however, the Belgian is doing his chances no harm in being the Reds’ Player of the Season.
He’s started every Premier League game so far this season, with his performances consistently impressing the Forest fan base.
His transfer fee of £12.7 million last summer is starting to look like a real bargain for a player who now regularly features for his national side.
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