Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi expects Simon Adingra to be an important player for the club this season.
The 21-year-old produced a breakout performance in Brighton's Premier League Summer Series win over Brentford, scoring both goals in Atlanta to announce himself in style.
"I know the quality of Adingra," De Zerbi told the club's official website. "Another big player for us, we are building a strong team with many players in every position of the pitch."
Who is Adingra?
Born in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Adingra joined Brighton last summer on a four-year contract from Danish club Nordsjaelland.
He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to gain further experience, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in 30 league matches.
See: Jason Steele's funny story about Adingra
Adingra says he will fight for a place at Brighton this season in order to fulfil a childhood dream to play in the Premier League.
"I am very happy to score my first goals for Brighton," Adingra said.
"I think it was a good step for me [spending last season on loan with Saint-Gilloise], to get playing time and then coming to Brighton to fight for my position.
"We are building a very strong team." 💪 RDZ was happy with what he saw tonight! 💬 pic.twitter.com/9P74wzMxdY
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 27, 2023
"I am so excited because it's a dream since I was a kid, I was dreaming to play in the Premier League, so I am very very excited."
Fans won't have to wait long to next see Adingra in action, with Brighton playing their final match of the Summer Series against Newcastle United in New Jersey on Friday.