Mbangula, all the times he was decisive for Juve: the extra man you don’t expect

A bow after the goal and a big smile when he posed with the man of the match award. The last time Kalulu had received that recognition but he wasn’t as radiant as Mbangula because, beyond any discussion about the performance, the thirteenth draw in the championship had arrived; this time, however, the 2-0 against Milan can only leave room for a joy that – at home – Juventus has been missing for over two months.

when mbangula saved motta

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He had already ‘promised’ them to Milan in the Super Cup match, which was ruined after Yildiz’s lead which he himself had propitiated with an assist. 15 days later, Mbangula was still decisive and even more of a protagonist thanks to his third league goal so far. Como, on the first matchday, Bologna – when he came on 10 minutes from the 90th minute and in the 92nd minute he prevented Madama from defeat – and now Milan. Always from the left lane. Like a crescendo of performances that allowed him to celebrate his 21st birthday (turned on January 16th) in the best way. Samuel didn’t tell it, as one does with the greatest wishes, but by blowing out the candles maybe a little thought of such joy in Juve-Milan will have gone. A gift to himself and to Juve who hadn’t won at the Stadium since the derby on 9 November and who found the net at home in Serie A against Milan 325 minutes of play after the previous one (with Morata on 19 September 2021).

beyond the goal

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If you ask Motta, however, the goal is just the icing on a layered cake made up of runs back, help in defense and that recovery of the ball at 2-0 which gave even more depth to his performance. “He is a boy who is helping a lot in every game situation, he is always available, never out of the team due to injury or disqualification.” Spells aside, the Belgian (formerly of Bruges, a club he will meet as an opponent in the Champions League next Tuesday at 9pm) is truly one of those players who is always present and cradled by a tender an age that does not burden him with responsibility and, on the contrary, makes him increasingly interesting in a young project like him.