Orel Mangala joined Nottingham Forest from VfB Stuttgart last summer and his displays in the debut season in the Premier League has been rewarded with a call up from Belgium for this month’s international break.
The 25-year-old featured against Sweden and Germany and was praised for his fine performances for De Rode Duivels by the Belgian media.
Het Laatste Nieuws had a chat with his father, Jean, who revealed the midfielder’s love for football almost cost him his life at a young age.
The Nottingham Forest man was involved in an accident, where he was hit by a car when he crossed the road to get the ball. Orel claims no one should be blamed for the incident and also stressed he doesn’t remember anything about it. Mangala Sr, on the other hand, shares a different take.
“The love for the ball almost cost Orel his life. The doctors even told me my boy might never walk again. Orel is a strong character. His mother and I were with him every day at the children’s hospital. Encouraging, encouraging… Every step, like a game. Orel is proof that miracles exist,” he said.
A few months after the accident, the Nottingham Forest midfielder started to walk and eventually made a full recovery.
Meanwhile, Hannes Wolf, Orel’s former coach at Stuttgart, has sent a message to Steve Copper on where to deploy him on the pitch.
“As a German, I still enjoyed his performance. We had a good relationship, and I was really proud to see how well he did,” Wolf explained.
“In my opinion, he can handle any style of play – both at 6 and at 8. Whether you want to play dominantly or against an opponent who pushes you further back. With his technique he is a player who can determine the game.”
“He is not Onana or Fellaini, but he has enough defensive qualities to fight in midfield. You know him maybe less, but I’ve been convinced of Orel’s qualities for a long time. And Tedesco clearly too.”
Orel has made 16 league appearances for Nottingham Forest this season, which includes 11 starts.
