Nathan Collins' Brentford Influence Growing as Andrews Praises Captain

Keith Andrews sees Collins developing into a key figure for Brentford, his influence within the squad growing with each game.

Collins once again anchored the back line alongside Kristoffer Ajer as Brentford picked up a 1-1 draw at Leeds United, building on their opening-day win over Tottenham with another valuable point.

This was a different kind of test for Brentford’s defence compared to what they faced against Spurs.

Leeds leaned on Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their main threat up front, then shifted their approach after the break. Set-pieces, too, kept Collins and Ajer busy throughout.

Andrews was pleased with how his centre-backs coped with the challenge.

“Our 2 boys, I think, in the main stood up really well to that,” Andrews said in his post-match press conference.

“They set the tone for it in the first half, which was really, really important. Set pieces, a massive part of both of the teams' armoury, and I thought today we did particularly well from them.”

Leeds did find a late equaliser through Calvert-Lewin, but for much of the afternoon Brentford managed to keep the home side at arm’s length, even as the pressure mounted after half-time.

Attention then turned to Collins himself and the strides he is making at the heart of the Bees' defence.

Andrews was keen to highlight not just Collins’ display at Elland Road, but the progress he sees from him every day in training.

“I think we've seen it with Nathan now,” he said.

“He's growing all the time, he's developing, his leadership skills for someone who's so young, he keeps making strides.

“He leads by example on a daily basis and he's so eager to develop his individual game, and I think that's in a really good place.”

It’s a positive sign for a player already trusted with plenty of responsibility at the back for Brentford. Collins was made captain last summer at just 24, following Christian Norgaard’s exit, showing the trust Andrews had in him.

This season, the Ireland international has started both of the Bees’ opening Premier League games and was one of just three players to have started in all of Brentford’s competitive matches, with Andrews making numerous changes for the 6-1 Carabao Cup win over Birmingham City.

Andrews’ words hint that Collins’ influence is growing off the pitch as well as on it.

Being an established defender is one thing; becoming someone your teammates look to is another. The Brentford manager clearly sees Collins moving in that direction, especially given the standards he sets in training and his hunger to improve.

Sunday’s game was another test for the centre-back pairing. Against Tottenham, Collins and Ajer had to deal with clever movement and combinations in a 3-0 win at the Gtech. Leeds, by contrast, were far more direct, testing them physically and putting balls into the box.

Andrews recognised that difference immediately after the game.

“Very different test to last weekend against Spurs,” he said, before explaining the different problems Leeds caused through Calvert-Lewin and their attacking changes after the break.

A clean sheet may have eluded Collins and Ajer this time, but their efforts still ensured Brentford left Elland Road with a point and four from their first two league matches.

Andrews does have plenty of options at the back as the season goes on, with Brentford’s squad depth offering a variety of combinations,

Andrews is happy with what Collins is delivering on the pitch, but his praise after Leeds was about more than just another solid display. He sees a player growing in voice and influence within the group, all while still striving to get better.