How Thomas Frank Tactics At Brentford Are Thriving Despite Ivan Toney Absence 2023/2024 – Tactical Analysis

After establishing themselves in the Premier League for over a season, Brentford commenced their current form without a single loss, but secured only one victory in their first four games.

The absence of Ivan Toney for eight months due to a breach of FA betting rules has left Brentford in a vulnerable position.

In response, the club recently bolstered their attack by signing striker Neal Maupay from Everton to strengthen the attack.

This summer, they also acquired centre-back Nathan Collins from Wolves and Kevin Schade from Freiburg, in addition to goalkeeper Mark Flekken, following the sale of David Raya to Arsenal.

In their initial four matches, starting with a 2-2 draw against Tottenham and culminating in another 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, the Bees achieved the highest expected goals (xG) in the league, surpassing those of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and others.

For years, this emerging team has based its strategy on data, with owners utilising it effectively to maximise success — a concept we previously dubbed The new pragmatism in modern football.

Despite Rayas absence, Mark Flekken has seamlessly taken up the role of building play from the back.

The Dutch goalkeeper ranks third in attempted passes with 163, just behind Ederson with 182.

Flekken also possesses an impressive range, ranking second with 30 passes that travelled 40 yards or longer.

Manager Thomas Frank has predominantly employed a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation.

Aaron Hickeys versatility on the right allows for seamless transitions between these systems, even within the same match.

The defence features Collins alongside the experienced Ben Mee while attacking full-back Rico Henry holds the left flank.

Frank has stuck to his usual trio of Christian Nørgaard at the base in midfield, with Vitaly Janelt and playmaker Mathias Jensen.

Mikkel Damsgaard, despite arriving a season ago, has struggled to secure a starting spot.

Upfront, Brentford faced challenges due to Toneys absence.

Still, Thomas turned to Yoane Wissa as the primary striker, flanked by the experienced Bryan Mbeumo and the speedy German winger Kevin Schade, who proved effective in their quick and direct attacking plays.

Ivan Toney is out? Keep swift and direct

Despite missing their star, Brentford currently leads the league in expected goals (xG) with 9.7, while Brighton follows closely with nine, and Manchester City ranks third with seven.

However, when it comes to converting chances, Brentford lags behind.

Brighton has scored 12 goals in four matches, with The Citizens close behind with 11, while Brentford sits eighth with only eight goals.

This scoring challenge is partly attributed to Toneys absence and the harmony between the new composition in the attack, including Schade.

Nonetheless, the team is creating numerous opportunities, reflecting the principles established by Frank in previous seasons.

The Bees style revolves around quick and direct play, whether on the ground or in the air.

The team organises from the goalkeeper as full-backs push forward, creating wide passing options for penetration.

High wingers provide them additional space to advance, and one of the No.

8s in the 4-3-3 drops alongside Nørgaard to form a 2-4-1-3 structure during the build-up.

This season, Mark Flekkens passing map indicates a focus on right-side penetration, where Aaron Hickey operates.

Long balls that Toney typically received have decreased due to Wissas different physical attributes, but direct passes to wingers making runs behind the oppositions defence have increased.

In midfield, Jensen and Nørgaard set the tempo, seeking rapid penetration through vertical progressive passes that isolate both wingers in space against their opponents.

Moreover, Brentford excels at quick ball switching from side to side, leading the league in switches this season with 18, which allows them to change their attacks starting point effectively.