Nottingham Forest target Samuel Mbangula looks to be an exciting talent, with one former Champions League winner already a huge fan of the Belgian speedster.
Forest are interested in Mbangula as part of a double deal with Juventus, with USA international Timothy Weah also of interest to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
With wingers clearly on the mind, Mbangula has similar traits to Callum Hudson-Odoi, regularly looking to cut in from the left and strike with his right foot.
The Belgian only has 32 appearances in Juventus’ senior team, which may worry some Forest fans, but the high praise of one of his former managers should ease any concern.
Samuel Mbangula and Thiago Motta during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase match between LOSC Lille and Juventus
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
Thiago Motta absolutely loved Samuel Mbangula at Juventus
Mbangula had an extensive period in Juventus’ youth teams before receiving his first chance in the first team last season under boss Thiago Motta.
Clearly a success, Mbangula continued to feature in both Serie A and Champions League fixtures, including scoring a late winner in the knockout play-off first leg clash against PSV.
After the game, Motta said in a press conference: “I am very happy with Mbangula. He presses, he dribbles, he scores goals. He always has a fantastic attitude, he always gives everything.”
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Having won the Champions League twice in his playing career, you’d like to think that Motta is a good judge of talent, able to compete at the level, giving Forest fans plenty to get excited about.
Beyond the intangible qualities of attitude, Mbangula’s underlying stats show that he impresses in the desired areas for a winger.
Samuel Mbangula excels in the perfect areas for Nottingham Forest
Forest are looking for two wingers to help support Chris Wood and the incoming Igor Jesus, with plenty of work expected by Espírito Santo to influence the final third.
Ideally, then, Mbangula’s stats from last season show that he excels in all of the areas required and at 21 years old, he should only continue to deliver.
Statistic Samuel Mbangula (24/25 season)
Shots on target % 61.5%
Goals per shot on target 0.50
Pass completion % 84.2%
Mbangula possesses remarkable accuracy with his shots, as well as scoring 0.50 goals per shot on target. This ratio might slip as he takes more shots, but Callum Hudson-Odoi scores only 0.29 goals per shot on target, so there’s plenty of room to manoeuvre.
Mbangula also has an impressive pass completion rate, so his ability to support as well as score the goals himself is equally worth noting. He registered four assists for Juventus last season, but the underlying stats suggest that these numbers can only improve.