One to watch: Nhoa Sangui - inspired by attackers but defensively sound
Nhoa Sangui has been a key part of Paris FC's defence, which has managed to shut up shop in recent weeks, putting them on a strong footing in the fight for safety in Ligue 1 McDonald's.
Kombouaré makes big impact at Paris FC
When Antoine Kombouaré came in as Paris FC manager last month, the club were in a precarious position in Ligue 1 McDonald's. The experienced manager's impact has been most acutely felt in defence, as it often is when Kombouaré comes into a club.
In his three games in charge, only one goal has been conceded, despite the past three games coming against OGC Nice, Lyon, and Strasbourg; two of the three are right in the mix for European football. No loss has been registered in that time.
Sangui has started in two of those games, the draw against OL (1-1) and the draw against Le Racing (0-0). The young Frenchman, who joined from Reims over the summer as part of a summer rebuild, has featured prominently, making 19 appearances in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season, however, only 12 of those appearances have come as starts.
𝑵𝒉𝒐𝒂 𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒏 ✍️
Le latéral Nhoa Sangui, international français U19, rejoint le Paris FC jusqu'en 2030 🔥
🔵⚪️ #CertifiéParis #BienvenueSangui pic.twitter.com/SvM2jCP3EG— Paris FC (@ParisFC) June 24, 2025
Competition for his place in the line-up has been difficult, given that he is competing with Thibault de Smet, something of a Ligue 1 McDonald's veteran at this point, and someone that Sangui knows well from his time with Les Stadistes, who are now in Ligue 2 BKT.
What has stood out in recent weeks about Sangui is his defensive solidity, although this isn't the hallmark of his game. He is a naturally more attacking full-back, as evidenced when he speaks of his inspirations as a young player.
Sangui inspired by messi and Dembélé
"My favourite players? I have always had two: Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembélé," he told Onze Mondial during his time at Reims. "Saying that I came up against Dembélé is really something!"
Sangui added that he looks at players who play in all competitons to seek inspiration, including from right-backs, midfielders, and attackers. "I am a counter-attacker, a good player with the ball, with good technique. I love to attack. Sometimes I forget to defend a bit [...] I'm in the process of finding the right balance. I would like to improve my finishing, to have a better quality of cross and a better pass. I am working on that," added Sangui.
And it is in that department that Sangui could yet grow. Solid defensively in recent weeks, he has nonetheless yet to register a goal contribution for Les Parisiens this season, although there is still plenty of time for that to change. And with a contract running until 2030, he has plenty of time to make his mark.
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