Brentford need Saman Ghoddos to start firing

Brentford has developed a strong tradition of bringing players to the club from all corners of the globe before bringing out the best in their talents. Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma and Neal Maupay are the most recent examples of the success of their production line.

Their success at cultivating talent resulted in their drive to the Championship playoff final last season, only to be beaten by Fulham at Wembley. Thomas Frank’s men are on the charge for promotion again despite losing key players last term and are backed in the English Championship odds at 6/5 to earn a top-flight berth for next season

The Bees have endless reams of talent at their disposal even in the midst of losing Watkins and Benrahma to Aston Villa and West Ham, respectively. However, Ivan Toney has made the move up from League One and has hit the ground running. Brentford’s excellent scouting network has scoured the globe for underrated talent, snatching up the likes of Maupay and Benrahma from obscurity. Therefore, hopes were high when the club moved for Saman Ghoddos on loan from French side Amiens.

The Iran international had been a standout for Amiens in Ligue 1 in the 2018/19 season before seeing his career halted in France by FIFA due to a transfer dispute. It did not prevent a loan move to Frank’s side, although the 27-year-old has had issues finding his form in the second tier. Ghoddos was impressive at Amiens operating in the final third. He notched five goals and four assists in 27 appearances. He had the same presence at his previous club Ostersunds, displaying a clinical edge in front of goal and creative instincts to supply his team-mates.

Those attributes were similar to that of Benrahma, and it is why the Bees probably move for the Iranian to fill the void. However, Ghoddos has not been able to rise to the occasion after 12 appearances in the Championship, failing to hit the back of the net or provide an assist. After being out of the game for a long period last season, Ghoddos will still be working his way back to both match fitness and sharpness. There is also an adjustment period required to adapt to the English game, which can be different for all players.

Frank has taken this into account and has moved Ghoddos out of the firing line, dropping the forward to the bench. The Iran international will be limited to minutes here and there until he can prove that he is capable of producing quality play in the final third. Brentford needs Ghoddos to fire as they’re not blessed with experience and proven performers outside of Toney.

Marcus Forss is a fledgeling striker, while Sergi Canos is working his way back to fitness after suffering a serious knee injury last season. Bryan Mbeumo had a strong first term with the club, but even he has been off the boil. As a result, a lot rests on Toney to carry the team.

Ghoddos is the one with experience and there will be an expectation of him to produce not only for himself with the prospect of a permanent move, but also to fire the club to promotion.