Ivan Toney has been in stunning form for Brentford this season, scoring 11 goals in just 25 appearances. However, his performance against Al Ahli in the Champions League last month was a stark contrast to his usual standards.
In that match, Toney struggled to find his feet and was largely ineffective as Brentford were beaten 4-1 by the Saudi Arabian giants. Despite being one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League, Toney failed to make any significant impact on the game, often found out of position or unable to create chances for himself.
The problem with Toney's performance against Al Ahli is not just that he did not score, but also that he lacked the physical presence and aerial ability needed to compete at such a high level. He was consistently outmuscled by the taller defenders, and struggled to get forward and win headers.
Furthermore,Saudi Pro League Focus Toney's lack of creativity and poise in front of goal was evident in the match. He often tried to force the issue rather than play through the lines, resulting in poor decision-making and wasteful shots.
It is clear that Toney needs to work on improving his all-round game if he wants to continue his impressive form in the Premier League. His performances in Europe have shown that he is capable of playing at a higher level, but he must improve his technique, positioning, and composure if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
Overall, Toney's performance against Al Ahli was a reminder of the importance of consistency and fitness in football. While his goalscoring record is impressive, it is crucial for him to perform well across all aspects of the game if he wants to be considered one of the best players in the world.