Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of new wide options seems to have led them to a player with uncanny similarities to Callum Hudson-Odoi, but with an added skill that sets him apart. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is looking to bring in two wingers for Forest’s upcoming European campaign, though it remains unclear if they will be starting or backup players.
Espírito Santo is inclined to integrate the new wingers as rotation choices, but the potential transfer of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United adds a layer of uncertainty. With Hudson-Odoi attracting interest from Napoli, Forest’s focus on a primary wide target resembling the former Chelsea man seems fitting.
Forest appears to have found a Hudson-Odoi doppelganger in 21-year-old Samuel Mbangula, a target with qualities that align closely with the English winger’s. Mbangula’s ability to cut in from the left wing and unleash a precise shot with his dominant right foot mirrors Hudson-Odoi’s style, providing a similar attacking threat.
However, where Mbangula surpasses Hudson-Odoi is in his remarkable defensive prowess. His aptitude for defending from the front could enhance Forest’s counter-attacking capabilities and provide new dimensions to their frontline. With the potential to improve his tackling success further up the pitch, Mbangula has the potential to spark attacks closer to the goal, resulting in increased scoring opportunities and less burden on the team’s strikers like Chris Wood.
