Orel Mangala’s Underwhelming Display Against Italy Sparks Concern for Everton Fans
Belgian midfielder Orel Mangala’s inconsistent form continued on international duty, sparking worries about his starting spot at Everton. Mangala, on a season-long loan from Lyon, has had opportunities to impress Sean Dyche but struggled against Southampton, leading to calls for his omission.
In Belgium’s UEFA Nations League match against Italy, Mangala started alongside Premier League counterpart Sandro Tonali but failed to make an impact. He played 68 minutes before being substituted, with the Belgian media criticizing his performance.
GVA, a Belgian outlet, rated Mangala 5/10, stating: “Couldn’t get a grip on the Italian midfield at all in the first half. Only came into the match when the Italians played with a man less.”
Mangala’s stats against Italy:
- 47 touches
- 97% passing accuracy
- 1 shot on target
- 1 shot off target
- Lost 3 of 5 duels
- Lost possession twice
- 1 tackle
- 1 clearance
While not disastrous, Mangala’s display lacked conviction, highlighting his inconsistency. This raises concerns about his ability to secure a starting spot at Goodison Park.
Implications for Orel Mangala:
- Inconsistent form threatens starting spot
- Needs to improve performance to justify selection
- Competition for midfield places intensifies
Sean Dyche’s Dilemma:
- Balancing Mangala’s potential with current form
- Weighing midfield options
- Making strategic lineup decisions
Everton’s Midfield Conundrum:
- Integrating Mangala into the starting XI
- Addressing inconsistency
- Finding the right midfield balance
As the season progresses, Mangala must demonstrate improvement to justify his place in Everton’s lineup.
Related Topics:
- Orel Mangala’s Everton career
- Belgian national team performance
- Sean Dyche’s management decisions
References:
- GVA (Belgian media outlet)
- UEFA Nations League statistics
- Everton Official Website
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