Thomas Frank sings praises of in-form Mikkel Damsgaard
Thomas Frank praised the influence of in-form midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard and provided key fitness updates ahead of Brentford‘s trip to Everton on Saturday.
The Danish playmaker, 24, is having a breakout season for the Bees and capped a fine string of recent performances with his first league goal for the club, in Brentford’s 3-2 home win over Bournemouth before the international break.
Damsgaard initially struggled to make an impact following a €15m (£12.7m) move from Sampdoria in 2o22, starting just 16 league games across his first two seasons.
However, he is coming into his own this year. He has started the past nine league games, with a goal and three assists in his last five, and his creativity has helped light the spark of the league’s second-best attack (22 goals).
Frank delighted with Damsgaard
When asked about his countryman Damsgaard’s progress, Frank said: “Very, very pleased. Very happy, it’s been a tough few years.”
“It’s maybe natural, the first year, second year, a little bit up and down, but this year he’s definitely taken steps in the right direction.
The Brentford manager believes that Damsgaard, who scored a stunning free-kick in Denmark’s EURO 2020 semi-final loss to England, brings unique qualities to his team.
He added: “He’s growing every game, every week and he’s a different player, he’s giving something to the team that none of the other players (have), getting us out of tricky situations, playing the ball forward, turning forward, very creative. Now he’s added assists and goals, so very happy with that.”
Mbeumo and Wissa expected to play
Frank also had positive updates on injuries to key players Bryan Mbeumo, Yoanne Wissa and Ethan Pinnock, who withdrew from their international squads. All are expected to play at Goodison Park this weekend, but Kristoffer Ajer is still out. Rico Henry continues to work his way back from a long-term knee injury.
Igor Thiago, Brentford’s club-record signing to replace Ivan Toney that has not played a minute after a knee injury in preseason, is also on track to be in the match-day squad, in another boost to the Bees’ buzzing forward line.
The Brentford boss will be especially pleased to have Mbeumo and Wissa fit and firing, with the duo having scored 14 league goals between them this season.
Mbeumo, who was linked with Liverpool and Newcastle this week, has established himself as one of the best forwards in the division, but Wissa’s rise has been less heralded. The DR Congo striker, 28, has the best minutes-per-goal ratio in the league this season (80.9).
“I think he’s taken an extra step.”, Frank said of Wissa. “He started well last year, then we lost Bryan along the way, I think that was a big loss for him. But also this season I think he’s found even better positions in the box and he’s in the right areas.”
Everton challenge
Frank was under no illusions of the challenge his side face this weekend, particularly in light of Brentford’s poor away form and his personal record against Sean Dyche. He has won just one of their five encounters on the touchline.
The Bees manager will be far more concerned with his side’s away form having picked up 0 points from 5 matches on the road, although admittedly they have been tough fixtures (Liverpool, Man City, Spurs, Man Utd, Fulham).
Brentford have won the most aerial duels of any team this season (198) and that battle is likely to be key in determining the result at Goodison Park, with Everton possessing the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Tarkowski and Abdoulaye Doucouré.
“I think it’ll be important” said Frank. “I think obviously on set pieces, both boxes we need to be really good there. Everton are strong, but we are also strong. We have no fear, but big respect for their qualities.”
“Then we also know they go relatively direct behind so there’s also a few duels that we need to win there, so it’s going to be a big element of the game.”
Everton lie in 16th place, three points above the relegation zone, and have struggled in attack with 10 goals in 11 games. They have now failed to score in their last three games. However, the Toffees have won their last three matches against Brentford.
Brentford sit in 11th, but are just three points behind Chelsea in 3rd. They have scored the first goal in their last four away games before going on to lose all of them, so Thomas Frank will be hoping to instil more solidity in his team so they can see out a lead.
Kick-off is 3pm Saturday at Goodison Park.
