Analysis: Sangaré one of Ligue 1's top midfielders | OneFootball

Brentford's signing of Mali international Mamadou Sangaré from Lens underlines the formidable force they are becoming, both on and off the pitch.

Long lauded for their smart recruitment, Brentford have strengthened considerably since the turn of the year.

The recent arrivals of Jaidon Anthony and Callum Wilson have added two proven Premier League performers to Keith Andrews' squad, complementing the earlier acquisition of Austrian defender Jannik Schuster and, in January, fellow exciting youngster Kaye Furo.

Sangaré, however, quite possibly represents the club's most eye-catching piece of business yet.

A rangy all-rounder capable of dominating games with and without the ball, the 24-year-old arrives in west London having quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1's top midfielders.

Blessed with touch, technique and an impressive temperament, Sangaré excelled for a Lens side that finished second in the French top flight before lifting the Coupe de France for the first time in the club's history.

His outstanding campaign earned him the Marc-Vivien Foé Award, presented annually to the best African player in Ligue 1, and saw him linked with several of Europe's leading clubs.

Brentford have won the race for his signature, however, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a five-year deal that will keep him at Gtech Community Stadium until 2031, with a club option of a further year.

So, what can Brentford supporters expect from Sangaré next season?

The former Red Bull Salzburg and Rapid Vienna midfielder's energetic, all-action style looks well suited to English football, and he has already shown he can influence matches at both ends of the pitch.

Three sweet left-footed strikes and four assists in Ligue 1 illustrated Sangaré's ability to finish moves himself, but it is the quality and quantity of his work between the boxes that should really excite Brentford fans.

Last season, Sangaré ranked second in Ligue 1 for tackles won (86), third for ground duels won (159) and joint-10th for interceptions (40), those three standout statistics underlining his fierce competitive streak and athleticism.

Once possession has been won, the Mali international is equally impressive. Adept at threading quick passes into his forwards, as evidenced by his 343 accurate passes into the final third, Sangaré also regularly spreads play with raking deliveries off his favoured left foot.

The Bees' new recruit also finished among Ligue 1's top-20 players for successful dribbles and free-kicks won, highlighting his ability to progress possession and resist pressure.

As Lens head coach Pierre Sage observed, Sangaré understands "what a given match requires". Whether a game demands greater control, increased tempo or more attacking impetus, he has already shown an ability to adapt accordingly - a trait that should serve him well in the Premier League.

Sangaré's arrival will add further competition to Brentford's midfield, while the club will also hope young Dutchman Antoni Milambo can make a major impact following his recovery from the long-term injury that curtailed his debut season.

Already a 16-cap Mali international, Sangaré arrives in west London with his best years still ahead of him. If his performances in France are any indication, Brentford may have stolen a march on many of their Premier League rivals.