Brentford boss Thomas Frank claims Ivan Toney is ‘as good as’ Erling Haaland

Ivan Toney is currently serving suspension till January.


Brentford boss Thomas Frank claims Ivan Toney is ‘as good as’ Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland, Thomas Frank, and Ivan Toney. (Via Goal.com & Brentford FC)

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has made bold claims regarding star striker Ivan Toney. Speaking to the press, the Brentford manager heaped praise for his #17. Frank said that Toney is one of the best strikers in World Football. He also added that not many strikers in World Football were at his ‘level’ before he got suspended. Claiming that only a select few, like Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland were at the level of his trusted forward.

“Kane, Lewa, Haaland… Not many others at his level. In a top team, he’d easily score 20/25 goals. I understand why clubs are looking at him,” Thomas Frank told Sky. Further, he expressed his confusion at why no top club in Europe has come forward to acquire the 27-year-old’s services.

However, many on social media have taken up the Brentford manager’s comments and have opined that Frank betting on a move away for Ivan Toney looked odd. The Brentford striker scored 20 goals in the Premier League in the 22/23 season, which is extremely impressive, even more so, playing for a club like Brentford.

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Thomas Frank also admitted that he is willing to “part ways” with the star striker if an offer comes in the right region. It is likely that clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham all break the bank for such a player. Once Tony serves his suspension for breaching betting rules, he will be available for selection in January. Coinciding with the winter transfer window.

After admitting that Brentford was a “selling” club, it is more likely that Toney’s future lies elsewhere. Reports suggest that Brentford will entertain offers in the £70 million region.

Related: “Seeing him score felt better than me scoring”- Tottenham skipper Heung-Min Son shares heartfelt message for Richarlison after clutch PL win

Brentford fall against Newcastle: Callum Wilson seals the deal

Brentford faced off against Newcastle United on Saturday. The Bees were on the back of a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth while Eddie Howe and co. were looking to recover from a 3-1 defeat to Brighton. In a scrappy encounter at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United took all three points owing to a 64th-minute penalty by Callum Wilson.

Brentford vs. Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Brentford vs. Newcastle United (via Brentford FC)

Eddie Howe later commented that it was a “massive three points” after the full-time whistle, ending a 3-game losing streak. Following the game, Brentford‘s boss also claimed that the referee’s decision to award a penalty for Mark Flekken‘s charge on Anthony Gordon was a ‘mistake’. Brentford hadn’t known defeat in their previous 4 games in the Premier League this season.

But the Bees were unable to muster a response to Callum Wilson’s penalty in the second half. Thomas Frank also claimed that the atmosphere at St. James’ Park “impacts” decisions made in the game.

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