Orel Mangala joins Everton: Adapting to Dyche’s style in 2023

Orel Mangala, a 25-year-old Belgian international, recently joined Everton on loan from Lyon, where he had initially moved from Nottingham Forest. His transfer to Lyon was part of a deal worth up to £30 million, but financial issues at Lyon led to his late move to Everton. Manager Sean Dyche sought an experienced midfielder to bolster the squad, especially after struggling to secure other targets due to wage demands and financial constraints. Mangala's Premier League experience, having made 53 appearances for Forest, is expected to aid his quick adaptation to Everton's style. Known for his ball retention skills, Mangala boasts an impressive pass accuracy of 88%, ranking him in the top 14 percentile among his peers. His ability to maintain possession earned him the nickname “Pattex” during his time in Germany, reflecting his effectiveness in linking play between defense and attack. Despite his strengths, questions arise regarding how his possession-centric approach will align with Dyche's more direct style of play. Mangala's arrival is seen as a low-risk loan that adds depth to Everton's midfield, which has been stretched thin due to injuries and poor form. Dyche emphasized the importance of competition for places within the squad, and Mangala's signing provides an additional option in a crucial area of the pitch. The club hopes that his composure and quality in possession will help stabilize their performance moving forward. Overall, while Mangala's signing may not generate significant excitement, it represents a strategic move to enhance Everton's midfield capabilities during a challenging period for the team.