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.
The Reds manager has been using a three-man midfield lately, with Mangala playing a deep-lying role instead of box-to-box like he did the previous season.
Mangala’s new position has regularly increased his influence, and it perfectly fits his style of play.Mangala’s new midfield position
The Belgian midfielder can now retrieve possession and control the play because he is positioned in front of the Reds’ back four.
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.
In addition, Mangala’s new role is crucial when the ball is not in his hands. He has made the second-most interceptions of any Reds player since the team’s debut, with 13 so far this season.
His new role has changed his significance to manager Cooper, but he has been reliable in every game for the Reds this season.Mangala might be a candidate for the Player of the Season award.
Even though the 2023–24 season is still early, the Belgian is improving his prospects by winning Player of the Season for the Reds.
This season, he has started every Premier League game, and the Forest fan support has been continually impressed by his performances.
Looking back, his summer transfer fee of £12.7 million seems like a great deal for a player who is now a regular starter for his country.
