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28) Nicola Murru
Who is he? Murru is a 19 year old defender plying his trade for Cagliari in the Serie A. He’s a left-back who’s featured heavily for Italian teams at various age groups.
Back in 2013: Having made sporadic appearances for Cagliari previously it was towards the end of the 2012-13 season when Murru started enjoying a regular run in the first team. In fact starting from March, he featured in 9 out of last 11 fixtures of the season missing one due to suspension and the other due to an injury. He has continued in much the same manner in the present season starting 12 times thus far including the first 3 games in which he registered an assist in every outing.
The left back was a regular fixture in the U-19 side last season in his regular left back role and also a couple of appearances as right back.
Looking ahead to 2014: Murru has established himself as first choice left back in Italy and is reveling as first choice for his club. After featuring heavily for the U-19s, he’ll be looking to break into the U-21 set up and eventually the senior side.
27) Chancel Mbemba Mangulu
Who is he? Chancel Mbemba Mangulu is a 19 year old (we think) defender who plays for Anderlecht. He has already featured at senior level for the Democratic Replublic of Congo.
Back in 2013: After moving from ES La Grace, a club in Congo to Anderlecht at the start of the season, Mangulu has enjoyed his spell in Belgium and has already made his presence felt in Belgium, certainly enough to make this list. He started the first 2 games of the season before being briefly left out of the starting XI. He won back his spot soon and has thrived at Anderlecht. He’s made 16 starts in the league including featuring at right-back on a couple of occasions and started 5 out of 6 games in Anderlecht’s ultimately disappointing campaign. He’s shown that he carries a goal threat chalking up 3 goals in the league and 1 against Benfica in the Champions League.
Mangulu has already made a handful of appearances for Congo and should continue to be a regular fixture for them in the years to come.
Looking at 2014: Anderlecht capped off 2013 with a good win against Zulte-Waregem and find themselves in 2nd spot heading into the new year. Mangulu will be keen to continue impressing and help his club catch up with Liege atop the league. On a personal note, Mangulu has placed himself on the map and interest from some of the bigger leagues wouldn’t surprise us.
