Orel Mangala blasted by Belgian media after what Everton ace did in Nations League draw v Italy
Belgian media have blasted Orel Mangala after what the Everton ace did for Belgium in the 2-2 draw with Italy on Thursday 10 October.
The Belgians clawed back a first-half two-goal deficit courtesy of Andrea Cambiasso and Mateo Retegui with goals from Maxim de Cuyper and Leandro Trossard to salvage a draw at the Stadio Olimpico in the UEFA Nations League.
Mangala struggled to keep pace with the match in Italy and the media back in his native Belgium held nothing back when critiquing the Everton man’s performance.
Belgian outlet Walfoot [10 October] awarded him a low 3/10 rating and wrote a scathing review of his display: “As soon as the Italian midfield combined and accelerated, he did not give the impression of being able to carry such a midfield on his shoulders. As soon as he tried a shot, the Italian public knew that it was a ball given to Donnarumma.”
Voetbal Primeur [10 October] were more lenient, awarding a 5/10 rating, writing: “Mangala had the same story as [Youri] Tielemans. The Italians kept the field small, which meant he couldn’t make an impact. Sandro Tonali proved to be a size too big for the midfielder.”
GVA [10 October] agreed with the 5/10 rating, writing: “Didn’t get a grip on the Italian midfield in the first half. Only came into the match when the Italians were playing with one man less.”
