Samuel Mbangula lifts Werder Bremen with game-changing cameo | OneFootball

Samuel Mbangula turned Werder Bremen's fortunes with a decisive late cameo. Within five minutes of his arrival, a 2-1 deficit to Eintracht Frankfurt had become a lead.

According to BuLi News, the intervention followed weeks on the fringes after his 10 million euros summer move, amid a complicated dynamic with manager Steffen.

Bremen had been on an extended winless run and trailed 2-1 at home as the final 15 minutes approached. Mbangula was introduced in the 75th minute.

His impact was instant, driving at defenders and earning a free-kick he took himself. He whipped the delivery towards the six-yard box, where Jens Stage glanced it past the goalkeeper.

Moments later, he cut inside near halfway and spotted Romano Schmid’s run in behind, the precise pass allowing the playmaker to square for Jovan Milosevic to finish. He did not record the assist, but he created the opening that put Bremen ahead.

Steffen has wanted more defensive work as a planned 4-3-3 became three centre-backs, with Marco Friedl at left-back increasing the tracking load. He has started only one match since early November, a 4-0 defeat, when he was asked to track back repeatedly. There have also been claims about his effort, though his game often reflects a measured rhythm rather than constant running.

Mbangula turned 22 only days ago, a Juventus academy graduate in his first season away and his first expected to be a key first-teamer. Tough assignments now follow, with Bayer Leverkusen away, Hoffenheim at home and Bayern Munich to come. Bremen are not in relegation trouble right now, but another barren spell could drag them in, and this cameo offers him a chance to stake a claim.

Source: BuLi News