Orel Mangala has had a hectic seven months in his career. In late January, he made a move from Nottingham Forest to Lyon, initially on loan with a plan for the transfer to become permanent for up to £30 million ($39.4 million) at the end of the season. This sale was crucial for Forest, helping them avoid another breach of Profit and Sustainability rules.

However, just three months later, Mangala found himself at Everton. The move came as the club was still on the hunt for midfield reinforcements after losing his international teammate, Amadou Onana, to Aston Villa for around £50 million. They also chose not to renew Andre Gomes’s contract, freeing up funds for new signings.

Despite a summer filled with near misses and challenges due to a tight budget, Everton remained determined. Many of their targeted players opted for other clubs, often due to financial constraints. Ultimately, Lyon’s own financial issues, along with a growing connection between the two clubs, made Mangala a timely addition. Favourable loan terms were negotiated with Lyon’s American owner, John Textor, who is also in talks with Everton’s owner, Farhad Moshiri, about a potential takeover.

Player Profile

Technical Profile

Mangala is calm and dependable in possession. He moves the ball up field with control and typically finds attacking teammates in promising positions. His ability to avoid unnecessary risks is a valuable asset.

The Belgian midfielder is a solid box-to-box player, covering ground effectively and showing strength in aerial and physical duels. His mobility and presence in midfield contribute defensively and help him adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

He has quick feet and strong physical balance, allowing him to carry the ball up the field effectively, connect the play, and transition into attack. His ball-carrying links with his composure, as he advances into attacking areas before passing to more offensive players.

Physical Attributes 

Orel Mangala possesses a well-rounded physical profile, grounded in strength and athleticism. He stands at 5’10” with a sturdy build (178 cm, 78 kg), which allows him to excel in aerial duels and maintain his ground in physical battles. His mobility and work rate are additional assets, enabling him to cover ground effectively and contribute to both defensive and transitional play.

Mental Attributes 

At 26 years old, Mangala has brought a calm and steady presence to Everton’s midfield in his first Premier League season. Though he hasn’t found the net in his seven appearances, his 87% pass completion rate and composed decision-making highlight his reliability on the ball.

Last season, he averaged 0.1 goals per game with three goals across 29 matches, showing he can contribute in different ways even if scoring isn’t his primary focus. Mangala’s confidence and adaptability make him a solid anchor for Everton, helping maintain control and support transitions across the pitch.

Playing Style

Orel Mangala’s playing style showcases his ability to combine physicality with technical skill as a box-to-box midfielder. He’s a powerful runner who plays an active role on both ends of the pitch, frequently breaking up plays with timely tackles while also helping to kick-start attacks. His impressive ball control, which has earned him the nickname “Pattex” after a German superglue brand, allows him to keep the ball close and navigate through tight spaces.

He demonstrates good awareness and positioning, often finding pockets of space to intercept passes and set up offensive plays. His relentless work rate means he’s always willing to engage in midfield battles, using his strength to shield the ball and maintain possession. When he has the ball, he plays with confidence, opting for simple, effective passes that help maintain team rhythm and create triangles with his teammates.

Mangala is a tireless worker, consistently tracking back to support his team and not shying away from tackles. His physical presence can be intimidating for opposing players, making him a valuable asset in both defence and attack. Overall, his adaptability and reliable decision-making make him a crucial part of Everton’s midfield, adding much-needed energy and stability to the team.

Statistical Analysis

Orel Mangala’s profile offers a glimpse into his balanced style of play and key contributions across different phases of the game.

Photo: FotMob

Orel Mangala’s heat map showcases his work rate and positioning, painting a picture of a midfielder who’s everywhere his team needs him to be. He’s particularly active in central areas, moving seamlessly between his own half and the opponent’s. This suggests he plays a vital role in connecting the defense and attack, often dropping back to help out in his own box while also pushing forward to support offensive plays.

In defense, he’s likely helping to break up play and win back possession, while in attack, he’s positioning himself to provide options for progressive passes or create chances. Overall, his heat map shows that he’s a true box-to-box midfielder, covering large areas of the pitch and contributing wherever he’s needed.

Photo: FBCharts

Orel Mangala’s profile offers a glimpse into his balanced style of play and key contributions across different phases of the game. Offensively, he’s efficient with the opportunities he gets—his 0.17 non-penalty goals per 90 put him in the top 13%, which is impressive for a midfielder. His expected goals (npxG) rank at 66%, suggesting he’s not just finishing well, but also getting into good scoring positions.

Photo: FBref

Although he has fewer progressive carries and attacking touches than offensive midfielders, he excels at maintaining possession and fulfilling defensive duties. His play style highlights his importance as a stabilizing presence in midfield. When it comes to passing, Mangala is dependable, with an 88.1% pass completion rate that ranks in the top 20%.

While he’s not necessarily the primary playmaker, he still pushes the team forward with a respectable amount of progressive passes (34th percentile) and carries (55th percentile), reflecting his steady involvement in moving the ball up the field. His shot-creating actions (29th percentile) and assists (11th percentile) suggest he’s not typically involved in the final pass, but his ball retention and accuracy are assets to the team’s possession game.

Photo: FBref

Defensively, Mangala really stands out. His interception rate is among the best, placing him in the 92nd percentile, which highlights his anticipation and ability to disrupt the opponent’s play. He’s also reliable with clearances, ranking in the 82nd percentile, showing he’s well-positioned to support the defense. 

Photo: FBRef

Though his aerial ability is more moderate (37th percentile), Mangala’s tackling and interception stats make him a valuable asset in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and maintaining a strong defensive presence.

Photo: FBref

Overall, Mangala brings a solid mix of defensive stability, ball security, and occasional attacking threat. His skill set allows him to impact both ends of the pitch, making him a versatile player who contributes meaningfully to both defense and possession play.

Potential

Orel Mangala has the potential to emerge as a key box-to-box midfielder for both Everton and the Belgium national team. His mix of technical skill, physicality, and mental toughness makes him a promising talent. As he continues to develop, he could become an important player for both his club and the national team.

His playing style showcases his close ball control and impressive mobility, reflecting the athleticism and technical ability needed to succeed at the highest level. Plus, Mangala’s versatility allows him to contribute effectively in both defensive and offensive roles, further boosting his chances for future success.

By: Jeebak Basak / @being_jz

Featured Image: @Juanfrann / Getty Images