Simon says fruitful loan set up Bright start after brace

Danny Ryan
LiveScore
Simon Adingra scored twice in Brighton's win over Brentford
Simon Adingra scored twice in Brighton's win over Brentford

Brighton beat Brentford 2-0 in the penultimate fixture of their Premier League Summer Series campaign and look to have unearthed another gem.

Two quality finishes from winger Simon Adingra, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise last season, secured victory for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

The Ivory Coast ace, 21, said after the game: "I'm very happy to score my first goals. 

"I think my loan spell was a good step for me, to get playing time and then to come here to Brighton and fight for my position." 

The South Coast club enjoyed 59% of the possession in Atlanta, although it was the Bees who mustered more shots on target — seven to Brighton's four.

But Adingra's ruthlessness and impressive all-round play ultimately proved to be the game's decisive factors with a strike either side of half time.

His first was a curling effort that caught Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken flat-footed, while the second was a calm strike into the bottom corner after a mazy run into the box.

On his hopes of making an impact in the Premier League, the youngster added: "I'm so excited, it's a dream since I was a kid.

"I was dreaming to play in the Premier League, so very, very excited."

De Zerbie Ads another talent

Adingra was a regular in Union SG's starting XI last term, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further nine in 30 league appearances.

The one-cap international also displayed his versatility in Belgium by operating as both a centre forward and left winger.

Brighton boss De Zerbi believes the African hotshot can follow in the footsteps of young team-mates Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson.

The Italian mastermind said: "I think we are building a very strong team with many players in every position of the pitch.

"I know the quality of Adingra, he's another big player for us.

"Adingra — like Ferguson and Encisco — they are very young.

"We have other attackers but we have to have many players because the season will be very tough."

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Brighton & Hove AlbionBrentfordPremier LeagueSimon Adingra