'Great option' Simon Adingra hits the ground running at Monaco
Loaned by Sunderland to AS Monaco at the end of the winter window, Simon Adingra has hit the ground running since his move to the Principality.
Pocognoli pushes for Adingra's arrival
In four games in Ligue 1 McDonald's, the Ivory Coast international already has three goals. Two came in his first start at the Stade Louis II, a 3-1 win over Nantes. After that game, Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli stressed how intent he was on bringing Adingra to the club.
He repeated himself on Saturday after Adingra came off the bench to help the Principality club to a 2-0 win over SCO Angers. "It was a great option that presented itself, and I really pushed for him to come," said the Belgian manager. The Sunderland loanee once again justified Pocognoli's intentions.
It was a difficult first half for Les Monégasques, who struggled to create openings against an organised Angers defence. Their manager, Alexandre Dujeux, admitted that Adingra's entrance changed the course of the game. The Ivorian forced Angers' full-backs deeper, creating more space in central areas, which had been at a premium in the first 45 minutes.
4 Ligue 1 matches. 🇨🇮
3 goals. ⚽️
What a signing, Simon Adingra. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/9boVemP1iX— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 28, 2026
Both goals originated from his side, including - of course - his goal, sumptuously curled into the bottom corner from outside the box. That goal added to Folarin Balogun's opener and put Monaco in a commanding position. Thereafter, they would not relinquish their grasp on the game. It is a result that puts Les Monégasques back in European contention, as they seek to recover from a middling start to the campaign.
And all signs suggest that Adingra could be a key player as we approach the 'final sprint' in Ligue 1 McDonald's. The Ivorian, in any case, should get plenty of game time.
'I adapt quickly' - Adingra
Adingra's versatility is one of the aspects that made him so coveted, and he has already played in three positions: at wing-back, on the wing, and through the middle. "He picks the team and it is up to me to adapt," said Adingra on Saturday evening.
He has adapted excellently at Monaco, which hasn't come as a surprise to the former Brighton and Hove Albion winger. "In general, I adapt well at my new clubs," said Adingra. Just like Mika Biereth last season, who came in mid-season and made an immediate and very positive impact, Adingra is helping turn Monaco's season around.
In doing so, he is getting his own season back on-track. Adingra struggled to have the same impact at Sunderland that he had at Brighton, and upon his arrival, he said he also had his sights set on a return to the international set-up. With the World Cup fast-approaching, he is putting himself back in contention. For now, his objective will be to back up his strong start in the Principality and continue along the comeback trail.
READ MORE
>> Goals from Simon Adingra and Folarin Balogun help Monaco see off Nantes
