Do Brentford play better without Ivan Toney?

The Premier League season draws closer to the finish line, as teams continue to fight for position in what has been a physically intense campaign. Brentford have eased the pressure between themselves and the drop zone but still have some important fixtures to play. Ivan Toney suffered another spell of absence due to presumed illness and during this period the Bees were able to collect a maximum total of six points. Arguably these games were against already relegated Sheffield United and scrapping for survival Luton Town but do these results suggest that the Bees play more fluid football without the star Englishmen on the pitch?

Toney's return from suspension was an influential one. When the England international returned to play in Gameweek 21, he hit the headlines after a clever little free-kick supported the Bees in brushing aside Nottingham Forest. Toney registered four goals in five games and appeared to have instantly picked up where he left off. However, Brentford's recent 0-0 draw in what was an uneventful West London Derby against Fulham marked Toney's twelfth game without scoring. There has been no suggestions as to why Toney is struggling in front of goal but after seeing how fellow forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yohan Wissa dismantled Luton and Sheffield United, questions can be asked to whether Toney makes the Bees less effective when going forward.

There is no debating that as a striker Ivan Toney possesses world class qualities but has it all been too much for him this season? Having been banned from playing for eight months and training with the squad up until September, Toney had to maintain his fitness and technical levels through individual training. Although he proved he could cope with the intensity of the league when returning there are signs that the long-term absence from competing weekly could be a reason to him being off the pace.

In comparison to a player like Yohan Wissa who has been around the squad most of the season it's no surprise Wissa looks sharper in front of goal. Seeing as this is the case and considering the evident change in form when Toney didn't play should the star man of team be benched if it means the Bees could have a better chance of winning their last two games of the season?

For Brentford football will go way deeper at this point in the season. They have nothing to play for in the final two games and therefore despite his lack of goals Toney should remain first name on the team sheet regardless of whether he deserves to play or not. Toney remains likely to leave the club in the summer so in order to receive the full quoted £100 million price tag set on him he will play to try and put in a couple eye catching performances. The reality for Brentford though is that they would be extremely lucky to fetch £100 million for a struggling striker.

As much as Mbeumo and Wissa may thrive in a front two, Toney still oozes quality whenever he's on the ball. Against Belgium on the international stage, Toney captured the spotlight with a top display and there is no doubt although he has been off it in the Premier League, as a player he is still incredibly capable of delivering for Thomas Frank and the team. With the Euros just around the corner Toney will be aware of Southgate keeping tabs on him and others, his place in the team still isn't nailed on so he will recognise the importance of making an impact in these final two matches.

Toney is vital to Brentford's build up play and whilst Wissa and Mbeumo provide a more dynamic attack, Toney's hold up play and threat in an around the box means players always have something to aim for.