Samuel Mbangula has been called up to the Belgian national team by coach Domenico Tedesco. The young Juventus player joins the Red Devils for the first time and can hope for his debut.
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Samuel Mbangula, whose full name Samuel-Germain Kinduelu Mbangula Tshifunda hints at his Congolese heritage, has made significant strides at Juventus this season.
The young Belgian forward, only 20 years old, has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike with his energetic and skillful play. Making an impressive start, Mbangula scored a goal and provided an assist in his debut match, marking him as one of Juventus's emerging talents. Although his initial productivity has tapered off in recent games, Mbangula’s potential remains undeniable, and his call-up to the senior Belgian squad by coach Domenico Tedesco speaks volumes about his promise.
Despite the high regard for Mbangula's abilities, his recent performances have not always translated into game time. In the recent Champions League match against PSV, which Juventus lost 4-1, he was benched for the full ninety minutes under coach Thiago Motta’s watch. This decision left some fans questioning whether Juventus is fully utilizing the young winger’s skills. However, Tedesco, undeterred by the fluctuating playing time at the club level, sees something special in Mbangula and believes his qualities can add value to Belgium’s national team.
Mbangula’s call-up to the Belgian senior team came as a last-minute adjustment. Initially, he wasn’t part of the selection for the upcoming Nations League games. However, an unexpected turn of events paved the way for his inclusion. Injuries to key players Jeremy Doku, a speedy winger for Manchester City, and Charles De Ketelaere, currently at Atalanta, created gaps in the squad that needed to be filled. As a result, Mbangula was invited to join the team in Tubize, the Belgian football training headquarters often compared to Zeist in the Netherlands. His arrival at Tubize has been met with enthusiasm, as fans and coaching staff alike are eager to see if Mbangula’s raw talent can add a new dimension to the team’s attacking options.
Mbangula’s journey with the Belgian national setup has been steady and promising. He has already earned six caps with the Under-21 team, showcasing his abilities against tough opponents and proving himself as a reliable talent in the younger age groups. His consistent performances in these youth teams have cemented his reputation as one of Belgium’s up-and-coming stars, making his senior call-up a natural progression. The Belgian team, known as the Red Devils, faces two challenging Nations League fixtures. On Thursday, November 14, they go head-to-head with Italy at 20:45, a match that promises to test Belgium’s tactical resilience. Italy is a formidable opponent, known for their defensive discipline and sharp counter-attacks. It would be an ideal debut stage for Mbangula, should Tedesco decide to give him some minutes on the field.
Following the Italy match, Belgium will conclude this Nations League round with a game against Israel on Sunday, November 17, also at 20:45. This match offers a different type of challenge, as Israel’s style contrasts with that of Italy, allowing Belgium to showcase their offensive strengths. For Mbangula, this fixture might be a chance to display his speed and creativity, especially if Belgium looks to play a more open and attacking game.
The anticipation surrounding Mbangula’s possible debut is high, and fans are eager to see how this young Juventus talent adapts to the pressures and demands of international competition. A strong performance could not only establish him as a valuable asset for Belgium’s senior team but could also bolster his standing at Juventus, where he continues to battle for regular playing time. For Belgium, integrating young talents like Mbangula represents a promising step forward as they aim to build a resilient and dynamic team capable of competing at the highest level.
Updated: 04:29, 11 Nov 2024
