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Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo Nominated for Premier League Player of the Year
“It feels crazy,” were the words of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo as he reacted to his nomination for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award. At just 25 years old, the Cameroon international’s impact on the English top flight has been profound, with an impressive tally of 18 goals and seven assists in 36 league appearances this season.
Mbeumo’s unexpected rise has not only propelled Brentford into the spotlight but has also placed them on the cusp of their first-ever European competition. “I didn’t really expect it,” Mbeumo told BBC Sport Africa, reflecting on the nomination. “I know I have had a good season, but I was surprised when I’ve seen my name there.”
The nomination places Mbeumo among elite company, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, currently leading the top flight scoring charts, as a prominent contender. Other nominees include Salah’s teammates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Since joining Brentford from French club Troyes in August 2019, Mbeumo has played a pivotal role in the club’s transformation. From a Championship team to Premier League contenders, Mbeumo’s journey with Brentford has seen him become the club’s second-highest scorer in the Premier League era, with a total of 40 goals.
“This club brought me everything,” Mbeumo expressed. “They gave me confidence, and I feel very happy to achieve this season here. With the group we have, it is just such a good life here.” He also acknowledged the collective effort of his team, suggesting that other players at Brentford equally deserved recognition, a testament to the club’s overall improvement.
Currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table, Brentford’s aspirations for a spot in the Europa Conference League next season are well within reach. This achievement would mark a historical milestone for the club, further amplified by the fact that Thomas Frank, Brentford’s manager, is also in contention for the Premier League Manager of the Year award.
The collective achievements of Brentford this season reflect a broader narrative of growth and ambition, with Mbeumo at the heart of this transformation. As the season approaches its climax, the focus will not only be on whether Mbeumo can clinch the prestigious individual award but also on Brentford’s potential European venture, an exciting prospect for a club that continues to defy expectations.
