Frank says his players are growing ‘like trees’ in Toney’s absence

Thomas Frank says his Brentford players are growing “like trees” in the absence of the departed Ivan Toney.

England striker Toney joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli at the end of last month, ending a summer of speculation regarding his future.

Toney didn’t play in any of Brentford’s first three Premier League games this season and the Bees fared well in his absence with wins over Crystal Palace and Southampton either side of a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Frank is confident he has enough quality in the squad to cope – especially as Brentford became accustomed to playing without Toney while he served an eight-month ban last season for breaching betting regulations.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester City, he said: “He will be missed no doubt about that. I will definitely miss him and we wish him all the best for the future. We know how it is when players leave, grow or step into new positions.

“We got good practice last year. We had two thirds of the season without him. The players have already stepped up and they’re growing, like trees. 

“In the dressing room, the players need to take responsibility and be leaders. Ivan was a great player on and off the pitch. Players are ready to step in. In terms of leaders, we have players ready to step in.”

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— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 12, 2024

How can Brentford stop Haaland?

Premier League games don’t get any tougher than a trip to four-time defending champions City and Frank knows his defenders will have to pay particularly close attention to prolific striker Erling Haaland.

Asked how they can stop the Norway international, he said: “It’s close to impossible. A lot of teams have tried to neutralise him. I think he is a great player. I think his movement in the box is probably some of the best we have ever seen. The way he anticipates and is constantly on the move and focused and aware of where to position himself. That’s top level.

“He is so focused to make sure he times it in the right moment. He is a decent player, in the best team in the world. It is a top team but we know if we hit a good level we can make it difficult for them. 

“We will do what we can to play a good game but I believe we can do something.”