Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC
Rotating in central midfield
Mukau has featured in all five of Lille's opening Ligue 1 matches, making two starts and three appearances off the bench in a limited role under new coach Davide Ancelotti.
Analysis: Mukau has played 250 minutes and averaged 8.3 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. He has yet to record a goal or assist, with his two starts coming against Angers and Troyes. He remains the third midfielder in the hierarchy behind captain Benjamin Andre and Nabil Bentaleb and is unlikely to see more playing time if they are healthy and available.
Adds single tackle
Mukau generated one tackle (one won) and one clearance in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to England.
Analysis: Mukau won a tackle and made a clearance as he tried desperately to hold onto the lead during the second half of Wednesday's clash. The talent of England and Harry Kane came through clutch at the end of the match and sent Mukau packing back to Lille. DRC finished the tournament in the first knockout round with a disappointing defeat against a top contender.
Provides defensive stability
Mukau generated one tackle (one won) and one interception in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Analysis: Mukau contributed one chance created, one interception and one tackle (one won) across his 45 minutes in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, operating as a disciplined central midfielder who provided defensive cover and some ball-winning intensity in the opening period before being replaced at halftime as DR Congo's coaching staff made tactical adjustments. The midfielder completed nine passes and contributed to his side's organized defensive structure that frustrated Colombia for the majority of the first half, with his pressing intensity and positional discipline reflective of the collective effort that kept the scoreline goalless deep into the second period. His composure and defensive intelligence from central midfield give DR Congo a reliable option in the Uzbekistan must-win, and his ability to screen the backline will be important against a side that showed counter-attacking quality against Colombia.
Active defensively
Mukau recorded one clearance and two interceptions in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Analysis: Mukau was busy defensively before coming off the pitch during Wednesday's draw. He had a clearance and two interceptions as he tried to slow down the Portugal attack throughout the match. It was a great draw to start the group stage, and something to build off for the team but Mukau will likely remain a solely defensive option.
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