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Orel Mangala wowed by Everton ace Amadou Onana on international duty, duo get along ‘very well’
Everton youngster Amadou Onana impressed compatriot Orel Mangala during the international break, with the latter explaining that the duo get along “very well.”
The pair partnered in defensive midfield for Belgium as they defeated Germany 3-2 in an international friendly on Tuesday (28 March).
Onana is now a regular for the Red Devils, having featured heavily for his country during their ultimately disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign.
“It’s a great duo, we get along very well, we have a great complementarity, we know each other very well from the English league,” said Nottingham Forest’s Mangala, as quoted by rtbf.
The duo have both prominently featured in a new-look Belgium side under new boss Domenico Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez earlier this year.
Belgium beat Sweden 3-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier in his first match in charge on Friday (24 March). The manager has been impressed with Onana, with the midfielder briefly wearing the captain’s armband against Germany.
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Rapid rise from Onana
Onana has been immense at Goodison Park this season, with the midfielder playing beyond his years for the Toffees despite a disappointing campaign for the club overall.
Just 21 years old, he burst onto the scene as a teenager for Hamburg in the German second division, before quickly being snapped up by Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
But Everton didn’t let him settle in France for long, snapping him up last summer, with the midfielder going on to star for the Toffees.
Sean Dyche will want to keep him at all costs, but interest is reportedly rising and rising, and will continue to do so if Onana keeps performing at such high levels for club and country.
His composure and calm nature on the ball have been a superb sight for Everton fans, while Belgium supporters saw just how highly he is regarded by Tedesco when the boss handed him the armband against Germany upon Kevin De Bruyne’s exit from the pitch.