Brentford to Sign ‘Direct’ Attacker Who Can Replicate Wissa

Brentford have been picked clean this summer with manager Thomas Frank heading to Tottenham Hotspur proving a major blow. On the field, Bryan Mbuemo, Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken and reportedly Yoane Wissa have all left, taking away key pieces from their core along with their intelligent manager. They are now set to bring in at least one attacker, who they will be hoping can replicate some of what they’ve lost.

Be sure to keep up with all of our Transfer Deadline Day coverage on this hectic summer window closer.

Brentford Agree Deal for Reiss Nelson

Current Agreement

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Bees have agreed a loan deal for Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson. The attacker spent last season on loan at Fulham before an injury derailed his spell in London. The player notably chose to go to the G-Tech despite other interests which means he was likely presented with a strong proposal by the team.

The 25-year-old has had a difficult time breaking into the Gunners squad as they have been blessed with young attacking talent in recent years. The academy graduate has had brief spells in and around the first team but now looks set to go elsewhere to find minutes.

Replace Yoane Wissa

The biggest advantage of signing the “direct” attacker is his notably strong dribbling. A comparison of his matches with Fulham showed he was just as effective, if not moreso than Adama Traore with his ability to carry the ball into the box standing out.

Wissa’s big strength for the Bees was his ability to carry the ball and move it forward. He averaged 1.82 progressive carries per 90 with 2.05 progressive passes. He was capable of scoring without taking too many shots which is almost impossible to replicate.

What can be replicated is his ball-carrying and dribbling. Nelson averaged more progressive carries and passes per 90 while creating more shot-creating actions. From an out-of-possession perspective, the two averaged the same number of blocks per 90 as well.