Former teammate reveals why Newcastle United man will make an impact overseas
The defender looks likely to leave Newcastle United this season with Rafa Benitez keen to clear the decks and boost his transfer kitty.
RUMOURS: Newcastle United miss out on £10m manBut Defour, who played with Mbemba at Anderlecht in his native Belgium, believes that the defender has all the necessary assets to become a success - even if that isn't at Newcastle United.
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Hide AdThe midfielder, who plays for Premier League rivals Burnley, also believes that the 28-year-old's progress on Tyneside was thwarted by being played out of position.
Mbemba continues to be heavily linked with Porto, although a deal may be slightly further off than first thought.
READ: 8 memorable moments from Newcastle United stars at the World CupNewcastle are keen to land an £8m fee for the centre back but this valuation is yet to be met.
Nonetheless, Defour is backing Mbemba to make an impact in Portugal should a move be completed.
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Hide AdSpeaking to O Jogo, the former Belgian international said: "Mbemba is a tough defender in the individual marking, he is a fast player who has passing quality and who risks going out to play from the defence.
BENITEZ: Newcastle manager hopes for transfer budget boost"He has a good aerial game, he has talent and qualities to impose on Porto."
"He is strong from the mental point of view and knows what he wants. He has the ability to impose himself in a club like Porto."
And Defour has also revealed why Mbemba is keen to leave Tyneside.
"I think he just could not stay at Newcastle, because they made him play right-back, a position that is not his. It was a shame," he added.