Adu Impressing At Monaco

It has been almost six months since US international midfielder Freddy Adu joined AS Monaco on loan from Benfica, and despite only making six appearances for his new club, Adu has impressed his teammates, including veteran midfielder Camel Meriem.

“He is a super player, very strong with a very good left foot,” said Meriem of the 19-year-old American. “For the moment, he is discovering that the French championship is not easy for him. It takes time to adapt, but with time, everything will be better for him. In any case, he has the potential to become a player of very high standard.”

Meriem is a veteran of the French leagues, having played for Sochaux, Bordeaux, Marsielle and most currently Monaco. The 29-year-old also has made 30 appearances for the French national team.

Since leaving the US in 2007 Adu has had trouble making an impact in Europe having only made 11 appearances for Benfica. Even though he managed to score five goals for the Portuguese side, he was loaned to Monaco in July.

One of the most promising American players in the world today, Adu had a successful career with DC United making 87 appearances and scoring 11 goals before a quick stint at Real Salt Lake. He’s also been a stalwart in the US national squad, playing up through the youth ranks all the way to the senior team, where he has won 11 caps.

-- Shane Evans, Goal.com