Juventus’s start to the season has been quite interesting. Starting with victories against Como (3-0) and Hellas Verona (3-0) before sharing the points with AS Roma (0-0), Thiago Motta’s Bianconeri have not missed their start and are in second place, tied on points with the leader, Inter Milan. Offering a more offensive game than Massimiliano Allegri, the new coach of the Piedmontese has also decided to bet on new faces. Some have asserted themselves like Kenan Yildiz, Dusan Vlahovic and Andrea Cambiaso. Others have arrived like Michele Di Gregorio, Khéphren Thuram and Juan Cabal. And some youngsters have had their chance like right-back Nicolo Savona (21 years old) or Samuel Mbangula (20 years old).
Young Belgian left winger aged 20, the latter has impressed and surprised at the start of the season. A starter in the first three matches, he has already scored 1 goal, delivered 2 assists (joint best passer in Serie A) and caused a penalty. An XXL start for this fast, hard-hitting player who is already sure of his qualities and who had an interesting season in Serie C last year (2 goals and 4 offerings in 25 matches). Launched against Como in the deep end on 19 August, he had distinguished himself by opening the scoring and providing an offering, enough to receive compliments from Thiago Motta after the match: “He communicated from the first day he arrived that he wanted something. Today it’s about getting his job back, but this is the first game, he played well, like the whole team. Now keep your feet on the ground and keep working, already thinking about the next game.»
A total life change
The main person concerned was on cloud nine: “It was a special emotion, because it was the first time in Serie A, the first time with the first team in an official match, I am very happy with this evening. Yes, it’s true, when I scored the first goal I felt like it was a special dream. When I feel the stadium with all the fans, it’s an incredible feeling.» Continuing on from the start of the season, Samuel Mbangula joined the Belgium U21 team where he is helping the Red Devils qualify for Euro 2025 next summer. With a new status, he admitted to being overwhelmed by events: “I don’t feel like the phenomenon of the moment. There are a lot of great players here, but I’m still surprised by what’s happening to me. I still feel the pressure, but it’s nice because it gives me adrenaline. My life has changed because I can’t go out on the street as easily as before, I wasn’t ready for that…»
The player under contract until June 2026 with Juventus and who also has dual Congolese nationality took advantage of the international break to return to his acclimatization in the professional group of the Turinese: “The competition has increased and this is very positive for growing. The most experienced players are the first to encourage me, Juve is a big family. Thiago Motta gives me the confidence I need. He is always very clear, he tells me what is not working and how to improve. This encourages me to try and not hesitate. What matters is the reaction in case of error to succeed at the second attempt.“Gaining confidence, reaching a milestone at club level and continuing his development in the national team, Samuel Mbangula will have a new interesting test when training resumes with the start of the Champions League. The opportunity to reveal his talent a little more.
