Simon says fruitful loan set up Bright start after brace
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."
