May 6, 2023. This is not an anniversary date, but the date of Ivan Toney’s last Premier League appearance… well, until this Saturday evening. Because yes, the English striker was suspended by the English Federation from any official competition due to several offenses surrounding sports betting, prohibited for professional athletes. A punishment which comes at the worst time for the 27-year-old player, who had just tasted the selection of the Three Lions a few weeks earlier before leading the summer transfer window across the Channel, with several big names from the championship ready to join. enlist. And eight months later, his name still remains associated with Chelsea and Arsenal for a transfer this winter.
These tracks also confirm the Northampton native’s desire to move to the next level, as he has already explained in an interview with “Sky Sports” before his return to the field this Saturday evening.“You can never predict when the right time is to move elsewhere, but I think it’s obvious that I want to play for a big club. Everyone wants to play for a top club, which is fighting for titles. If this January will be the right time for a club to come in and pay the right price? Who knows.” To do this, it was necessary to convince observers that his talent is still present. And against Nottingham Forest in a duel in the second half of the table, the number 9 of the Bees wasted no time in showing it to the general public.
A free kick and a man of the match trophy
After the first quarter of an hour, during which Brentford quickly conceded the opening score of the Reds signed Danilo, Ivan Toney, more than expected by the thousands of supporters at the Brentford Community Stadium with numerous “He’s back” posters (he is back in English, editor’s note), shows his cunning by managing to move the ball on a free kick, before going around the red wall to put the two teams back on an equal footing. This goal will contribute to the victory of his team (3-2), important at mid-season to move a little further away from the relegation zone. 90 minutes, a goal from a set piece and a man of the match trophy awarded by the Premier League: the evening was complete for his return, announced in the style of Undertaker, legendary WWE wrestler.
Not enough to impress his own coach, more than aware of the skills of his English striker: “I have to say it’s classic from Ivan Toney. He loves the big stage and he thrives there, which is why he is a good player. I have to say it’s very impressive to come back after eight months of absence, and to play the way he did. He scored a goal, a smart goal. His link-up play, his holding play, his presence, his work ethic, his defending on set pieces, he’s been super, super impressive. (…) He is one of our best players, if not the best player. Plus, his personality and character are immense.” Praise which should not discourage the two London big names from enlisting him this winter…
