Brentford’s first season in the Premier League has seen standout performances from two players: Christian Eriksen and David Raya. While Eriksen made headlines for his incredible return after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, goalkeeper Raya’s confidence with the ball at his feet and commanding presence in the box were crucial to the team’s survival. However, this season has been more challenging when it comes to identifying a standout individual.
Bryan Mbeumo was one of the most exciting players in the division before an ankle injury ruled him out for three months. Ivan Toney, who reached new heights last season with 20 goals in 33 appearances, was suspended for eight months due to gambling rule breaches. Since his return, Toney has only scored four times in 16 appearances. If he is sold in the summer, his final months with Brentford have been anticlimactic.
Mathias Jensen replaced Eriksen effortlessly last season but has seen a decline in his contributions this year. Mark Flekken, Raya’s replacement after the Spaniard joined Arsenal on loan, has become a reliable figure in goal after a shaky start. Yoane Wissa deserves praise for stepping up upfront when Toney and Mbeumo were unavailable. Ethan Pinnock, despite missing a chunk of the campaign with an ankle problem, has maintained his high standards.
Kevin Schade’s breakthrough year was derailed by a six-month injury layoff, and Keane Lewis-Potter has been forced to play in multiple positions. Avoiding relegation this season has been a collective effort, with various players stepping up to make key contributions.
Amidst these ups and downs, one player has consistently delivered for Brentford: Vitaly Janelt. Although his best position is as a holding midfielder, he has often played as a No. 8 and even filled in at left-back or centre-back when needed. Janelt’s selfless playstyle allows his teammates to shine, and he has become a reliable and versatile player for the team.
One example of Janelt’s selflessness can be seen in a match against Luton Town where, instead of shooting for a goal himself, he provided an assist to Kevin Schade. This gesture speaks volumes about Janelt’s character and his close relationship with Schade. Another significant contribution came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Janelt’s interception and flick set up a goal for Ivan Toney, sealing a victory for Brentford.
Despite his primarily defensive role, Janelt has managed to create 36 chances this season, second only to Mathias Jensen in the Brentford squad. He has also provided cover at left-back in the absence of Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry. Janelt’s work rate, combined with his body feints, disguised passes, and perfectly timed tackles, is remarkable considering he was signed for just £500,000 from Vfl Bochum in 2020.
Janelt has been an ever-present figure for Brentford this season, accumulating nearly 3,000 minutes on the pitch. In April, he became the first player in the club’s history to reach 100 appearances in the Premier League, a milestone celebrated by the team and coaching staff. While players like Eriksen, Mbeumo, Toney, and former captain Pontus Jansson have made bigger impacts in recent memory, Janelt could be considered the best value signing in Brentford’s history.
Recently, Janelt was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year at Brentford’s awards dinner. His consistent performances and selfless attitude have made him a key player for the team. With two years left on his contract, it is likely that Brentford will consider offering him an extension soon. This would be well-deserved recognition for a player who has made significant contributions to the team’s success.