Brentford’s record signing made an immediate impact on his Premier League debut, helping create two goals in the 3-0 win over Tottenham.
Keith Andrews was quick to praise Brentford for acting decisively in the race for Mamadou Sangaré, convinced the midfielder had caught the eye of more than a few clubs this summer.
Sangaré’s Premier League debut could hardly have gone better, as Brentford kicked off their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tottenham at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The 24-year-old was at the heart of the action, setting up Keane Lewis-Potter for the opener and later forcing a save that led to Michael Kayode’s second-half goal.
For a player who only arrived as Brentford’s club-record signing a few weeks ago, it was an encouraging first outing.
After the final whistle, Andrews made it clear the Bees were not the only ones tracking Sangaré after his standout season with Lens.
“I think the club deserve a lot of credit for getting that deal done,” Andrews said.
“A lot of clubs, I’m sure, were looking at Mamadou. We were pretty keen to get that deal done and I think you’ve seen today what he’s capable of.”
Sangaré Makes Immediate Brentford Impact
Sangaré joined Brentford off the back of a stellar campaign in France, where he played a key role in Lens finishing second in Ligue 1 and lifting the Coupe de France.
His ability in Ligue 1 didn’t go unnoticed. Sangaré was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year and picked up the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé as the league’s top African player. Brentford handed the Mali international a five-year deal, with an option for a sixth.
Andrews had talked up the midfielder before a ball was kicked, but this first Premier League outing gave a clearer picture of how Sangaré slots into the Bees' midfield.
“The attributes that he has adds to an already really talented midfield that we have,” Andrews said.
“I think that’s probably a position that we’ve needed to add to with the strength and depth that we need with the long season that we’re going to have. So, yeah, I really enjoyed his performance today.”
Sangaré’s part in the opening goal was a glimpse of what he can offer.
He picked up the ball from Nathan Collins high up the pitch, linked up with Dango Ouattara, and then picked out Lewis-Potter with a clever pull-back. Later, his drive was parried, allowing Kayode to pounce for Brentford’s third.
Andrews Impressed by Sangaré Adaptation
A settling-in period was always likely after swapping Ligue 1 for the Premier League.
Sangaré only arrived at the start of August, leaving him little time to gel with his new teammates before the season kicked off. But behind the scenes, Andrews has seen little evidence of any struggle in adapted to the demands of a Premier League club,
“He’s slotted in really, really well,” he said. “He’s adapted really, really well.
“You never truly know, different league, different language, even though his English is pretty impeccable. Just a humble young man that’s very, very hungry.”
Sangaré had already spoken after completing his move about how strongly Brentford pushed to sign him, saying the club “really went all out” and made him feel wanted during the negotiations.
His debut already looks like an early reward for Brentford’s persistence.
It’s far too early to say how quickly Sangaré will settle in England, but the traits that caught the eye of the Bees in France were already on show against Tottenham.
If Andrews is right and plenty of clubs were circling, Brentford will be glad they moved first.
