Monaco’s transfer window was expensive and ambitious. Big names like Folarin Balogun and Denis Zakaria arrived, and whilst Les Monégasques’ €12m investment in Wilfried Singo was considerable, he was far from a household name and the expectations reflected that. However, four months into his time at the Principality club, Singo looks like Monaco’s best bit of business in some time.
Singo is certainly one of the breakout stars in 2024. The Ivorian made a name for himself at Torino before making the move to Monaco, and it took him just a matter of games to assert himself as the dominant figure in this Monaco back-line. Les Monégasques were blighted by injuries in defence at the start of the season. Within this context, one would have expected that the experienced Guillermo Maripán would be the standout performer, and leader, for Monaco, but that has instead been Singo.
A wing-back by trade, he is custom-made to play on the right-hand side of a back-three. Singo is so calm and composed in possession and this allows him to showcase his best characteristics, breaking forward with the ball with his incredible pace and agility. He uses his frame well and is rarely dispossessed. Rarely does a defender take such risks, but does so with such an air of serenity.
‘Wilfried Singo is having an incredible season’ – Singo
That pace is also well utilised out-of-possession, tracking runs in behind and often getting across to cut out danger when his defensive teammates are all at sea. He is also a dominant aerial presence, in both boxes and an extravagant, stylish footballer – characteristics not often associated with defenders.
“Since we started watching Singo, we saw his skills, and the mentality to compete at a very high level. It’s good that he’s adapting step-by-step to this playing idea,” said Scuro of Singo back in early September. “In truth, Wilf is having an incredible season. He is helping us a lot. I am very happy to have him,” added Maripán in December.
Monaco will miss him in January as he departs to represent the Ivory Coast at AFCON, but should he continue on his current trajectory, his stay in the Principality could be a short one.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
