Nottingham Forest star Orel Mangala has insisted there is no Belgium rivalry with Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, despite it appearing that way.
The midfielder has been speaking in Belgium today ahead of the international break, where he is again a part of Domenico Tedesco’s squad.
The Belgium coach has caused minor controversy with his latest selection, having decided to include Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans in his squad despite an indifferent start to life at Villa Park.
He joined Unai Emery’s side on a free transfer from Leicester City in the summer but is yet to really make his mark on a midfield full of talent.
That’s led to frustration in Belgium, where several journalists and analysts have questioned his inclusion ahead of other options.
He has been included, though, and will be competing for a starting place with Everton’s Amadou Onana and Nottingham Forest star Mangala.
Mangala and Onana appear to be the preferred duo, with that partnership working well during the last international break and earning praise in Belgium. It means that, on the face of it, Mangala and Tielemans are rivals, but the Nottingham Forest man doesn’t see his Aston Villa counterpart like that.
“Whether I am in the balance with Youri Tielemans? I don’t think so,” he said.
“We are two different players, with different qualities and flaws. Who plays also depends on the opponent.”
