Brentford’s Rise: Tactical Insights from Thomas Frank’s 2023-24 Season
As Brentford embarks on their third consecutive Premier League campaign, the team led by Thomas Frank is once again surpassing conventional expectations. Rather than struggling at the bottom, the West London club maintains its competitive edge through meticulous strategy, tactical flexibility, and a collective commitment that continues to unsettle pre-season predictions. Despite only six points from their first six fixtures and just two losses, the performances suggest potential for yet another top-half finish. This in-depth analysis explores the tactical framework that keeps Brentford punching above their weight.
Strategic Foundations: Brentford’s Preferred Playing System
Thomas Frank has established a clear approach, primarily relying on a 4-3-3 formation as the foundation of Brentford’s play. While the team adapts on occasion—at times shifting towards a 3-5-2 to nullify specific threats—the consistent base of four defenders remains central to their identity. In matches, Brentford’s defensive structure often transforms in direct response to opponents’ strengths, yet their basic principles prioritize discipline and organization.
When in possession, regardless of whether the system is comprised of three or four at the back, Brentford prioritizes width and verticality. The team’s attack is marked by a direct style intended to catch defensively robust opponents off guard by exploiting space behind the last line.
Key Personnel and Positional Roles
Brentford’s current squad features a blend of sturdy experience and emerging talent. The acquisition of goalkeeper Mark Flekken gives the team a new presence between the sticks. While not as accomplished as former number one David Raya, Flekken demonstrates intelligent distribution and judgment in deciding when to build from the back or play long. He occasionally comes under pressure with the ball at his feet, but overall, he serves as a reliable platform for defensive stability.
The center-back cadre is among Brentford’s key strengths—Ethan Pinnock stands out for his physical dominance, especially winning aerial duels; Ben Mee provides veteran leadership and organizational skills; Nathan Collins adds composure and quality in possession, while Kristoffer Ajer’s adaptability across the defensive line offers Frank valuable tactical options.
Rico Henry, before his recent injury, exemplified Brentford’s commitment to attacking from the left, frequently surging upfield into winger positions while being ably covered by Mee or Pinnock. On the opposite flank, Aaron Hickey operates with a more balanced approach, equally adept at supporting attacks and maintaining defensive solidity. Mads Roerslev is a dependable alternate capable of slotting in seamlessly as needed.
At the heart of midfield, Christian Nørgaard sets the tone with aggressive ball-winning, regularly leading the team in tackles and interceptions. Flanking him, Mathias Jensen brings vision and set-piece quality, while Vitaly Janelt adds movement off the ball, finding spaces and facilitating attacking plays. The squad’s depth is evident through versatile options like Frank Onyeka, Mikkel Damsgaard, and the industrious Josh Dasilva.
Brentford’s attacking line has reshaped in the absence of Ivan Toney. Yoane Wissa, excelling as a creative outlet and link man, plays between the lines, opening spaces for dynamic runners such as Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbeumo. Mbeumo’s pace and finishing make him especially vital, already netting half of Brentford’s league goals this campaign—a sign of his growing influence in forward areas.
Defensive Resilience: Principles and Execution
Brentford’s defensive philosophy is rooted in adaptability, with Frank regularly adjusting between a 4-5-1 or 5-3-2 structure, depending on the opponent. These shifts clarify marking responsibilities, especially concerning opposition wingers and wing-backs.
High pressing is a central plank of Brentford’s approach. Operating with man-oriented pressure, they actively disrupt opposition build-up, reflected in a strong PPDA (passes per defensive action) of 9.02—one of the league’s lowest, indicating an effective press. Counter-pressing upon losing possession enables quick turnovers, often leading to dangerous attacking transitions.
Defensively, the player closest to the ball initiates the press, with teammates ready to support as they close passing lanes. Ethan Pinnock, leading the Premier League in aerial duels with an impressive 84.6% success rate, plays a crucial role both in defense and in launching counter-attacks by winning second balls.
Once forced to defend in a deeper block, Brentford usually adopt a compact 4-5-1, with midfielders consistently hunting the ball, compressing central areas, and pushing play into wide, less threatening zones. Full-backs step out assertively, with the likes of Nørgaard shifting to cover any gaps. The cumulative effect is a defense that restricts opponents to low-quality shooting opportunities—the average opposition xG per shot is just 0.08, and shots are usually conceded from an average of 18.6 meters out, among the best defensive metrics in the division.
Brentford’s Attacking Identity: Directness and Set-Piece Mastery
On the offensive side, Brentford’s identity is defined by rapid transitions, set-piece proficiency, and a willingness to unsettle even the league’s top defenses. They intentionally lure opposition pressure and then strike quickly into the spaces left behind. Among teams with less ball possession, Brentford rank among the best for effective long passing, trailing only sides like Arsenal, Brighton, and Manchester City.
Their physical attributes—speed, strength, and aerial ability—enable direct play, yet they also show patience in building from the back. One common pattern features Flekken stepping forward between the center-backs, with full-backs staying wide and Nørgaard anchoring midfield. Depending on pressure, Jensen might also drop deeper, creating numerical superiority during initial phases of play. However, Brentford never hesitate to opt for a long, direct ball to Wissa if under duress.
As they reach the attacking third, Brentford’s shape often resembles a 2-3-2-3, with rotating triangles, particularly on the left, enabling players like Rico Henry to overlap and deliver crosses. Jensen frequently drops into deeper positions to facilitate switches of play, while Schade and others use movement and tight ball control to open space.
Although transitions and wide overloads are effective, Brentford can sometimes struggle against low defensive blocks. Issues such as excessive distance and lack of movement between midfielders can lead to predictability. When chasing a result—such as shifting to a 3-2-5 late against Newcastle—the team has shown a willingness to experiment, though further adjustment may be required for sustained success in these scenarios.
Set Piece Innovation: Brentford’s Secret Weapon
Few teams are as dangerous from set pieces as Brentford. Mathias Jensen orchestrates these moments, displaying excellent delivery on corners, free-kicks, and even launching long throw-ins into the penalty area. While not possessing the elite dead-ball ability of some set-piece specialists, Jensen’s technique, combined with Frank’s tactical ingenuity, enables the team to capitalize from these situations.
Brentford often use elaborate setups to disorient defenders: clustering at a single post before dispersing at the crucial moment, making it difficult for opponents to track their runs. Against teams like Newcastle, they have exploited this by overloading one area of the box before attacking another, generating confusion and prime scoring chances.
Free-kicks offer further illustration. Brentford position players both near and far post, exploiting the opponent’s zonal line and creating opportunities for knockdowns or second-phase finishes. By staying just onside and timing their runs, attackers gain vital space and an edge for the decisive touch.
These set-piece routines are more than mere details—they are emblematic of Thomas Frank’s attention to maximizing every small advantage, a necessity for a club seeking to overcome financial disparities with more established Premier League rivals.
Conclusion: Brentford’s Tactical Blueprint for Success
Despite limited resources and the absence of key players, Brentford’s strategic framework—founded on adaptability, relentless work rate, and innovative coaching—continues to yield impressive results. Thomas Frank has fostered a cohesive culture that prizes marginal gains across both defensive and attacking phases. While breaking down compact opposition remains an area for improvement, Brentford’s ability to flex tactics and optimize set-pieces sustains their challenge for a top-half finish—or even a push for European qualification.
As the season progresses, Brentford’s mixture of tactical discipline and inventive set-play routines ensure they remain one of the Premier League’s most difficult and unpredictable opponents. The resilience, organization, and creativity under Frank’s stewardship indicate that the club’s remarkable rise shows no signs of slowing.
