Nathan Collins
BRERepublic of Ireland
Right
Apr 30, 2001
24
6'4"
183 lb
CB
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Controlled Centre Back
BrentfordFour clearances in 0-0 draw
Collins generated four clearances in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Collins returned to the starting lineup, having not started any of the five games in February. He made four clearances in the match and made one block as he helped his side to a 0-0 draw away to Bournemouth. He has reached double digits for clearances four times this season.
Clears knock
Collins didn't start in Sunday's clash against Aston Villa due to a knock he suffered in the final training session ahead of the match that required stitches, head coach Keith Andrews said in the press conference. "He needed some stitches. It was right at the end of a training session - it was really unfortunate. Seeing how he was the day before the game, I ultimately made the decision not to start him. He wasn't fully right but he came into a battle and that shows the character that he has. That's why he's my captain. He's an amazing individual who leads by example on a daily basis."
Analysis: Collins was limited to just half an hour in Sunday's win over Aston Villa after failing to feel fully right to start, as he was dealing with a nasty knock suffered in the final training session before the match that required stitches. The Bees' captain made a full recovery this week and should regain his spot in the starting backline for Saturday's showdown against Newcastle United.
Delivers assist in win
Collins assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Collins played a key role in the third goal, providing the assist for Yehor Yarmolyuk's 73rd-minute finish as Brentford's pressure finally broke Sunderland's resistance again. Defensively, he helped limit the Black Cats to few clear chances, stepping in front of passes and winning aerial duels as the defense compacted to protect the goal. Collins contributed solidly in defense with two interceptions, six clearances, and two blocks, while also setting a new season high with two chances created during the game. The center-back has contributed two assists and one goal in his last two appearances, impressing with his offensive contributions for the Bees.
Goal and assist Sunday
Collins scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and one chance created in Sunday's 4-2 victory against Everton.
Analysis: Collins, who did not record a goal contribution across the first 19 matches of the season, inexplicably recorded two in Sunday's win over Everton. He scored a header in the 50th minute off a Vitaly Janelt assist, then set up Igor Thiago's third goal in the 88th minute to take a commanding 4-1 lead. He played well on the defensive end too, recording four clearances, two tackles, two blocked shots and one interception in his full 90 minutes of action.
Keeps clean sheet Thursday
Collins had one shot (one on goal) in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Collins kept his fourth clean sheet of the season Thursday, his second in the last three matches. He won eight duels, made five clearances, blocked one shot and won one tackle on that end of the pitch, helping keep Spurs to just two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes. He added one on-target shot on the attack, his fourth of the season and his first since Oct. 25.
Holds solid role again
Collins played every possible minute for Brentford in the seven Premier League games so far this season, holding a solid role in defense.
Analysis: Collins started and played every single minute for the Bees this season, contributing four tackles, nine interceptions and 41 clearances in seven Premier League appearances. The center back helped his team secure only one clean sheet so far and will hope to find more in the coming fixtures since Brentford currently sit 16th in the standings, only three points ahead of the relegation zone.
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