Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangala has hinted that he is ready to step into the shoes of Kevin De Bruyne for Belgium, saying that he’s experienced the best season in his career with the Reds.
The 25-year-old joined Forest from Stuttgart last summer. He impressed in his first season in the Premier League, making 27 appearances as Forest secured their place in the division. His performances caught the eye of his national side, with the midfielder earning his first cap for Belgium just before his move to the City Ground.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Red Devils euro qualifier against Austria on Saturday, Mangala reflected on the season just gone. He also outlined his aim for the future with the national team.
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"We held on and I played a lot of matches so it's been a great first season for me in Nottingham" , he said, via RTBF . "Is this my best season? Yes. It's the one that gives me the best feelings and the national team was close to my heart.
“I knew it could happen, that my turn was coming. My wish now is is to further increase in power to be able to settle permanently with the Devils.”
Mangala started Belgium's last international game in a defensive midfield as they came out as 3-2 winners against Germany. But the absence of the like of Kevin De Bruyne and Amadou Onana could see him pushed further forward. That’s not something that phases the Forest man, having played a similar role at the City Ground last season.
"I think I showed great things against Germany,” he added. "I've already played in six in the past, don't worry if I have to do it with the Devils as well. During my training at Anderlecht, I was more of a number 10. Very technical, I didn't like duels. I started playing lower in Germany, winning more duels. Now I'm improving on that in England.”
He also responded to a criticism that he sometimes can lack concentration during a game, adding: “I don't feel like I'm suffering from a lack of consideration. I don't look at it too much to be honest. I do what I have to on the pitch and it stops there."
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