The player market does not seem to comfort the needs of teams in a tactical environment where more managers are embracing traditional strikers. They have become a relatively rarer breed to scout and require hefty sums from clubs that have unearthed them.
And so, only a handful of teams enjoy the services of such players - either by choice or the lack of one.
Looking at the current Premier League leaders, Mikel Arteta seems to have voluntarily chosen to sign and deploy Gabriel Jesus as a 'roaming striker' compared to the reigning champions, Manchester City, that have transitioned from a 'false 9' system to a more traditional one with the use of Erling Haaland.
Then there are clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United that are in the market to procure the services of a versatile and capable striker but have misfired on their attempts so far.
In the midst of all the reports regarding potential big-money moves for Harry Kane and Victor Osihmen lies a player that attracts little attention from the elite clubs now and then, but has never been seriously hunted down by any, Ivan Toney.
Ivan Toney's journey to the top of the English pyramid is one to admire and respect.
His career began at his hometown club, Northampton Town, which kicked off a sharp trajectory up the football chain. And at the tender age of nineteen, he found himself in the Premier League.
But things did not click at Newcastle United. After just two substitute appearances for the Geordies, Toney spent the next five years as a loanee at various League One clubs - where he discernably developed and caught the attention of a progressive Championship side, Brentford F.C.
And since the move to West London, neither party has looked back.
Toney charged Brentford's fight to the Premier League, scoring an impressive number of goals. Though that was bound to discontinue at the same rate in the English top flight, his output is still commendable considering the team's league standing.
(*Goals scored data is correct as of 5th March 2023)
During these modern times in football, strikers must fulfill various duties apart from functioning as penalty box poachers. Whether that be Harry Kane dropping into midfield to ping long passes to either flanks or Wout Weghort deployed as a pressing orchestrator under Erik ten Hag - managers are demanding more from their no.9.
And Ivan Toney fits those requirements.
(FBref compares Ivan Toney to his positional peers in Men's Big 5 Leagues, UCL, and UEL over the last 365 days. Based on 2959 minutes played.)
On inspection, his numbers are imposing across all fronts.
Toney produces quality attacking output - noticeably above-par numbers in the creativity department - as shown by falling in the 85th, 70th, and 63rd percentile in assists, expected assisted goals, and shot-creating actions.
In possession, the Northampton-bred striker fancies involving himself during the build-up phase by dropping deep and involving his teammates (71st and 74th percentile for passes attempted and progressive passes completed). Although these are riskier and more creative passes - indicated by the low pass completion percentage - they are warranted by his assist numbers.
And off the ball, Toney is precisely what all managers desire. An energetic yet defensively astute forward that allows the team to defend from the front.
All this is evident when examining his match footage.
Link-up & Creativity
Ivan Toney's ability to design chances for his teammates is a characteristic often overlooked by fans when discussing the various facets of the striker's game.
Like his English counterpart Harry Kane, Toney habitually drops between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines to receive passes and create for others.
Take this fine move against Fulham earlier this season.
(All screenshots are from videos uploaded by Brentford's Youtube channel)
And concerning Toney's creativity, his exquisite assists against West Ham and Manchester United stand precedent to his vision.
Finishing
Every striker is gauged by their ability to finish and the various means by which they do so. And it is fair to say that Toney does not fall short in this department.
Whether it be from confined areas in the penalty box, through late runs, headers, or from long range - Ivan Toney can do it all.
Box Presence
The English sharp-shooter's greatest strength is undoubtedly his awareness in the penalty box - foreseeing passes in advance and arriving in the right area at the right time is an innate ability that very few can repeat consistently.
Set-piece Threat
Thomas Frank's side is well-regarded in the Premier League for their productivity in set-pieces - ranking joint-first (as of game week 29) for goals scored in this department. And Ivan Toney is a salient component of Brentford's set-piece threat.
Penalty Specialist
Another forte of the Brentford striker is his efficiency from the penalty spot. Across his 10-year career, Ivan Toney has only missed one out of the 26 penalty kicks attempted - with a 100% success rate since the 2019/20 season.
(Placement of all of Ivan Toney's penalty attempts - data correct as of 7th March 2023)
Toney also ranks as the joint-most accomplished penalty-taker in Premier League history.
(Image from an article by the Opta Analyst named 'The Best Penalty Takers in the Premier League)
Very few strikers in the league are 'Premier League proven'. But after nearly two seasons worth of information and data, it is safe to say that Ivan Toney can be considered one of them. With 29 goals in 59 appearances (0.49 goals per game) at the time of writing, Toney is one of the few top strikers in the European market.
It is difficult to predict if he can maintain his standards while playing for an elite team that competes in Europe as there are several dynamics at a football club that would influence a signing to be a hit or miss. However, with the various weapons in Toney's armory and his relentless self-belief, it would be ill-advised to bet against his success.
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