“There’s so much potential in Nathan.”
Nathan Collins has made a great start to life at Brentford and is adapting to Premier League standard nicely as he impresses his manager Thomas Frank who recently hailed his performances.
The former Wolves star scored the winning goal against West Ham in a 3-2 thriller that secured a very valuable three points for his side, but it wasn’t just his goal that impressed the boss.
Collins wasn’t initially a starter in the Brentford side, but Ben Mee’s injury has meant that the Irishman was promoted to the first team, and he hasn’t looked back since.
As well as his defensive capabilities, and threat from set pieces, Collin’s is a very underrated passer of the ball, something which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the gaffer.
“It was one of the reasons we looked at him, we saw that he had some good [passing] abilities.
“But of course we are coaching him and trying to give him structure, solutions and work on how they commit and where they stand with the ball and then it’s down to him to execute it in the game.”
Pinpoint cross, thumping header 💥
The perfect time for Nathan Collins' first Bees goal 👊 pic.twitter.com/IeyFccVAll
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 4, 2023
Signed for over €20 million in the summer, the 22-year-old Irishman became the Bees’ record signing, which makes it all the better to see him flourishing in this position.
‘There’s so much potential in Nathan,” Frank continued. “He’s just started his career, more or less. I know he’s played Premier League football before, but at 22 you are not even close to your highest level.
“He’s done well for us. Last week [the 2-0 victory over Chelsea] was a good step in the right direction. I think today [there were] so a lot of important clearances on set pieces and then he finally scored. What a cross from Mathias Jensen and what a header.”
Collins has been become a key figure in the Ireland team as well, and with his age profile, he will only keep growing and progressing which will hopefully result in some good days ahead for the international team.
It’s looking increasingly likely that the management is set to change, and Stephen Kenny will relieved of his duties, so it’s imperative that the new manager that comes in is able to help develop players like the Brentford star, and other young talents coming through.
Related links:
- An exciting Ireland XI for 2024 that gives us a decent chance of World Cup qualification
- Former Ireland star lays it all bare when summing up Stephen Kenny’s ‘legacy’
- Richard Dunne explains frank reality of Stephen Kenny’s time as Ireland manager
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