Simon Adingra — FC Nordsjællands Tricky Winger
Simon Adingra is a young winger that has grabbed my attention in the Danish Superliga this year in his first full season at FC Nordsjælland (FCN). The young Ivorian has impressed me so far in an FCN side that are struggling and are living precariously close to the relegation zone after 18 league games. At just 19 years old, he made his mark in the Championship Round of the 2020–21 season, scoring against both København and Midtjylland (who both finished in the top three) in his first handful of substitute appearances. Now into his first full season he is developing well, and consistently adding to his game.
As a player he has grabbed my attention, with bags of potential to grow, and a unique skill set. I wanted to write about what has, and hasn’t impressed me. Below are his career stats to date, showing his impressive start to the 21/22 season. Now I must admit, there hasn’t been a wealth of opportunity to take a good look at Adingra, particularly with the number of substitute appearances to his name, but i’m going to do my best from what I have been able to catch.
Adingra this season has bagged 5 league goals with 2 assists in 17 appearances- featuring in the starting eleven 9 times, an impressive return for a young lad in their first full season in the league. He stands at 5’7”, and is best described as a powerful, direct and skillful winger. Adingra is right footed and favours coming in from the left hand side- evident from his season heat map- although he his able to play anywhere across the front line.
Adingra has a lot of aspects to his game he needs to work on. He is still young and very new to a top level of football, having signed from The Right to Dream Academy based in Ghana just a couple of years ago. However what he does possess in abundance is the foundations of what makes a very good winger at this level for years to come. His pace is a worry for most, and his quick feet make him a defender’s nightmare. He has a knack for being direct, and has a willingness and desire to take on defenders. The below clip is a good example of this- Adingra picks the ball up on the left hand side and his first thought is to take on the defenders in order to create that half a yard to get an attempt on goal.
Adingra’s fearlessness seen in this instance is a common aspect in his game. He appears to take great enjoyment from attacking and running at defenders and has added a dimension to FCN’s attack.
In the FCN vs Brondby game on 20.02.22, he was subbed on in the 65th minute in a tough position. FCN were 1–0 down when he was brought on, and not long after they were 2–0 down. A game that highlighted the ever present defensive issues FCN are having this season.
Nevertheless I took this opportunity to take a further look into the young winger. Although relatively quiet for much of the game, it was clear the extra outlet he provided to the struggling FCN side. His pace meant he was able to bring the side forward successfully and assist well in transitioning the ball from back to front as shown below. In the following clip, Adingra (the number 17) picks the ball up just inside the opposition half. A powerful run and drive opens up an opportunity for him to be on the receiving end of a cross- which he is unfortunate to not get on the end of.
This wasn't the only example of this aspect to his play in the game against Brondby, and was noticeable a number of times across the 25 minutes he was present. These direct runs are a constant in the young lads game, and a real asset to any team. His fearlessness in possession is impressive and he is willing to take on any opponent. This combined with his pace and quick feet are the perfect combination for any developing winger.
I believe he is a long way off being perfect, but he has the potential for a very good Danish Superliga level player. Many of the issues I have in Adingra’s ability and gameplay are those that can be coached- but naturally he possesses everything you could possibly want in a winger- that directness, that pace, that bravery and the quick feet. His off the ball movement is lacking at times when FCN are in possession- but his high pressing is often excellent. Tune into any FCN game this season and these traits he possesses that I have mentioned will be obviously apparent, and I am keen to keep a track on his development.
