Toney puts Premier League giants on alert with dazzling Liverpool display

Robin Bairner

• 17 Feb 2024 15:23 GMT
• 4 min read

Ivan Toney struck his fourth Premier League goal in five matches for Brentford as he continues to ace his audition for a big move, despite his side slipping to a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at home.

On what was a miserable afternoon for the Bees, Toney briefly gave Thomas Frank’s side some hope when he pounced on a rebound with 15 minutes remaining to make it 3-1 to the guests.

Liverpool ultimately ran away with the win thanks to a further goal from Cody Gakpo.

Toney stood head and shoulders above his Brentford teammates in a display that further highlights his need for a move.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United will all have taken note of his powerful display as they plot their move for a fresh No.9 in the summer. Brentford’s January asking price of more than €110 million (£100m) put teams off, but as the Bees lower their figure for a 27-year-old out of contract in 2025, he suddenly becomes more interesting.

FootballCritic gave the once-capped England striker a score of 7.4 for his performance, which was stronger than any of Liverpool’s starting players with the exception of Luis Diaz, who equalled that mark.

It was Jurgen Klopp’s replacements that really made the difference, with Mohamed Salah coming on as a first-half substitute to claim man of the match by laying on two goals and scoring another.

Toney vs. Liverpool

Toney put up some, frankly, ridiculous offensive numbers given what was around him.

He offered eight shots, four of which were on target. No other player on the park managed more than two in either category.

His threat in the box was highlighted by the fact that he had eight touches in the Liverpool box. No player on the field was able to match this figure, although Salah did come within one, despite playing only half the game.

These are the key metrics that the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are going to be judging their centre-forward targets this summer. All are looking for players whose primary thought is to put the ball in the net.

Toney is doing just that as he makes a remarkable comeback from a suspension for illicit gambling. Four goals in five Premier League matches is a strong run of form by any standards, but for a player coming back after eight months out the game, it is incredible.