If the current generation of the Belgian selection has been in decline for a few years, confirmed by the elimination of the group stage of the Red Devils behind Morocco and Croatia, the future promotions of black-yellow-red football seem increasingly promising to try to restore the image of Belgium in the football scene. Among these youngsters is the young Noah Mbamba, an 18-year-old midfielder trained and currently playing for Club Brugge, reigning Belgian champion and author of an excellent campaign in the Champions League.
And if he has not participated in the first part of his European adventure this season, the native of Ixelles (south-eastern suburb of the capital Brussels), knows the fervor of the Cup by big ears. In the autumn of 2021, what is one of the biggest transfer market values of 2023 has already entered the game three times during the previous season, most notably by stepping onto the Parc des Princes lawn against Paris Saint-Germain on the last day of C1 . In addition to this, he has already participated in 22 matches in all competitions in the Nerazzurri shirt, before celebrating his 18th birthday this Thursday 5 January.
Courted by great Europeans
If its earliness surprises more than a year in the part of the Kingdom bordered by the North Sea, the Bruges Club no longer wants to trust its jewel. In fact, the Gazelles do not seem to accept Noah Mbamba’s will not to extend his contract, which expires in June 2023. A decision that has influenced his sporting situation, playing only the first two league games of this year under the orders of Alfred Schreuder, before being demoted to the reserve team in August. The arrival of incumbent Raphael Onyedika also blocked his way. What to give him you wish elsewhere…
However, its potential is not hidden from the eyes of Europe: according to the Dutch-language newspaper The newspaper, several big European teams are not insensitive to his talent and potential, such as FC Barcelona, Manchester City or Chelsea, eager to strengthen his long-term project with the arrival of the 18-year-old player. It remains to be seen whether these executives will wait until the end of his lease next summer to try to sign him for free, or take action this winter to avoid confrontation with other suitors, who will have to pay nearly €3m. euros to drive him out of Bruges.
A versatile sentry
In terms of his profile, Noah Mbamba can help out in central defence, but more often than not he occupies the defensive midfield position, which he held from the outset under Philippe Clement, who has since left the AS Monaco. His physical power, in duels and repetition of efforts, and his precision in passing allow him to have this versatility, which would make more than a high-level coach’s mouth water. However, the principal concerned retains a slight preference for the sentry post: “I’m looking for a bit. I like it in “6” because I can “play” more than in central defence”he said after his first pro in May 2021, aged just 16 years, 4 months and 8 days.
Bruges fans were also fascinated by his playing intelligence for his young age, combined with technical ease and an above-average positional sense. In the event of a free start next June, Club Brugge would therefore lose the first player born in 2005 to play in the Jupiler Pro League, synonymous with incredible precocity and great experience acquired before he came of age. Whether writing for the 18-times Belgian champions or in another European club, Noah Mbamba’s career should be more than promising and he could end up playing side by side with the best in his role for years to come. ..
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