The Bees take on the Whites of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road in midweek.
Ahead of their Championship meeting with Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has claimed that Ollie Watkins is a “Ronaldo-type player” who could impress in his new central role (Wandsworth Guardian).
The 23-year-old attacker, who recently penned a new long-term contract at Griffin Park, was largely utilised in a supportive role behind Neal Maupay last season but following the Frenchman’s switch to Brighton & Hove Albion, he is now spearheading the Bees front line.
Typically expected to be flanked by Sergi Canos and Said Benrahma – or as per last weekend, Bryan Mbeumo – on either side, Watkins has already netted twice in the Championship this term, scoring in back-to-back games against Middlesbrough and Hull City (Soccerbase), and Frank paid tribute to his versatility and talents.
“It’s a big comparison so I don’t want to go down that route but, in a way, I’ve mentioned it now,” the Dane is quoted by the Wandsworth Guardian as saying. “He’s like a Ronaldo-type, that he can play as a nine or he can play to the side, or he can play as a 10, but because he’s so versatile he has abilities you can benefit off in all positions. Then it’s about getting the best out of him and the team.
“It’s not like he’s the main man, but how can we get the two, three, four best players we have in the best possible positions to make it click? At this moment in time, I think he’s the most natural nine we have, that’s why it makes sense to play him there. If we still had Neal we’d play Neal there and then we’d play him in another position.”
Watkins has been at Brentford since his move from Exeter City in the summer of 2017 for a reported £1.8million, making 97 appearances for the club in all competitions according to Transfermarkt.
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