Frank adding style to Brentford's substance

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Nizaar Kinsella
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport football news reporter, at the Brentford Community Stadium

Is Thomas Frank showing a tactical evolution in Brentford's style?

The Dane has been known for having a high energy, direct and physical approach while also maximising set-pieces since promotion to the Premier League in 2021.

But while getting balls in the box early and crossing from wide areas remain key, especially amid a spate of four early goals, there are other changes quietly being made.

Brentford are playing a more attacking approach with a back four, that transforms into a back three, as is becoming popular at top clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, with Sepp van den Berg, 22, drifting into midfield as an inverted full-back.

The Dutchman, signed in the summer from Liverpool for 拢25million, was attempting to overload Rayan Ait-Nouri, a brilliant attacking full-back but one who sometimes drifts off on his defensive duties.

It is credit to van den Berg that he often ended up in positions he is not associated with as Brentford created chance after chance, albeit while giving a few away.

They were good value for their 5-3 win against Wolves and despite some things remaining the same, there are changes afoot without Ivan Toney in the team, and as new signings begin to bed in.

Of course, the change of approach to a more modern, fashionable style is interesting given Frank was linked with the Manchester United and Chelsea job in the summer, but others with trendier approaches ended up getting those roles ahead of him.