No Toney? No problem

Now that Ivan Toney has finally left Brentford after an at times tortuous transfer tale, which appeared to last for 18 months, the debate has started on his legacy.

There is plenty of evidence of a high status: a promotion season of setting goalscoring records, a huge impact in the top flight and achieving England recognition.

But as anyone at the club will tell you, one person does not make a team and there are many whose influence and impact are also hugely important. Bryan Mbeumo is a prime example of someone who has continued to flourish since joining the club.

Last season proved how important he is. Thirty one of the 39 points accrued were when he was available and the real drop off in results occurred not during Toney’s absences for suspension or late-season injury, but following Mbeumo’s injury in the pre-Christmas trip to Brighton.

From Wednesday, 6 December, when he limped off after 40 minutes at Amex Stadium, to his return in mid-March, the Bees picked up just eight points from 14 games. And that period had also included the much-vaunted, some may say over-hyped, return of their absent striker.

Mbeumo finished with nine goals and six assists last season, an impressive return. Indeed, his contribution to the Bees has been consistent over six-and-a-bit years. When the side finished ninth two seasons ago, much focus was attached to Toney’s 20 goals, but Mbeumo chipped in with nine himself plus eight assists. He is, in NFL terminology, a dual threat as a scorer and a creator.

With three goals already this team, he looks as threatening as ever.

What is more, the 25-year-old embodies the hungry yet humble ethos that his head coach values so highly. He is obviously respected and liked by teammates, while on the terraces and concourses he is beloved by the fans.

You can clearly see why.

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