Brentford reeling the departure of ‘unbelievable’ Ivan Toney – but Bryan Mbeumo proved he is ready to take on the mantle as the Bees cruised past Southampton

Thomas Frank described Ivan Toney as an ‘unbelievable’ striker, dubbing the Saudi-bound striker a club legend — so how does the Brentford manager replace him?

Well, it helps that Brentford had a dress rehearsal for Toney’s departure last term, as he sat out seven months following a betting ban, with much of the burden falling on Bryan Mbeumo.

And Mbeumo has now emerged from Toney’s shadow to become the focal point of Brentford’s attack, linking play admirably, creating havoc down the right and bringing out the best in Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade. 

It now feels as if every pass forward goes through him, and he is enjoying the responsibility with three goals this term, including two here.

‘Ivan has been brilliant for us but we have other really good players,’ said Bees midfielder Mathias Jensen. 

‘He is a very big character so we are going to miss him, but there are plenty of other big characters in the team. We are very happy with Bryan and Wissa — it shows we have loads of quality offensive players.

‘They are good together and like each other off the pitch. That’s helping.’