Nathan Ngoy, from Standard to Lille, wants to shine with the Red Devils

Sports Football, from Standard to the Red Devils stage, Nathan Ngoy, 23, has established himself at Lille after years hampered by injuries. The defender says today that he knows he is capable of even better, both at club level and with the national team in football, and wants to keep progressing.

The new pillar of Lille

Since his arrival, Ngoy has played thirty‑eight matches in all competitions, contributing to Lille's fourth‑place finish with ten points earned out of fifteen. He has seen the club change coach, Davide Ancelotti succeeding Bruno Génésio, while retaining his role as a starter.

"I am already happy with my first season at Lille, but I have still raised my goals," said the defender. He points out that the results are positive (fourth with ten points) and that he plays the full time.

A past hampered by injuries

Long regarded as a great prospect at Standard, Ngoy saw his progress hindered by multiple injuries and a failed transfer to Luton Town. A new knee injury cost, according to him, the equivalent of two full years.

"I have gained maturity, improved my nutrition, my prevention and my recovery. The biggest secret is to know your body perfectly," explains Ngoy, noting that he knows when to push hard or ease off to avoid risks.

With the Red Devils, he has eight caps, including four matches at the World Cup in the United States. He was omitted against Iran, but feels he made up for the other games.

Asked in Tubize about the prospect of defending against Kylian Mbappé, he simply answered "No". "He runs super fast, but you have to stop him from arriving on the run," he added, recalling a training session against his brother Ethan.

Ngoy had a quiet summer in the transfer market, with no major rumors emerging. He remains focused on Lille, stating that he knows he is capable of even better, as journalist Vincent Blouard reminded during the interview in Tubize.