Ivan Toney can make the difference for Brentford when they host Brighton

Brentford have started the season brilliantly. Thomas Frank’s side opened their Premier League campaign with an impressive 2-0 win against Arsenal. Two draws followed, with Ivan Toney scoring an early goal at Aston Villa.

The Bees can extend that unbeaten run when they host Brighton on Saturday. This will be the first top-flight meeting between Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion. Frank’s side may not have too many household names, but it’s time to get to know Brentford’s No.17.

Ivan Toney the road to the top

Toney’s story is interesting because he had to work hard and stay patient to make it to the Top Flight. He didn’t walk into a Premier League club’s academy; he started his career with Northampton Town.

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"After playing for the Cobblers youth team, striker Toney made his first-team debut on November 13, 2012, becoming the youngest first-team player in the club at 16 years and 8 months old. (Via: Northants Live)"

In 2014, Toney signed for Newcastle United. Things didn’t work out for him, having made as little as four appearances for the Magpies in 2015/16. Loan spells took Toney to several clubs, including Barnsley and Wigan Athletic.

In 2018, Toney signed with Peterborough United on a permanent deal. The London Road faithful watched their star man score 49 goals in 94 appearances.

During that spell, the pacey striker also collected 15 assists. His performances were superb enough to catch the eye of Brentford. Subsequently, Peterborough sold Toney to Brentford for a club-record fee of £5m – back in September 2020.

Frank’s faith in the striker was justified in Brentford’s Premier League promotion year. Toney scored 31 times, with 10 assists in 45 league games. He scored another two goals in the playoffs, including a 10th-minute penalty in the Championship play-off game against Swansea City.