Nathan Collins

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Anchoring Brentford's ambitious 8th-place Premier League campaign, Nathan Collins has emerged as Thomas Frank's defensive linchpin. Despite the Bees navigating a patchy run of just one win in their last five (DDLWL), the €30 million-rated Irish centre-back remains a towering constant—logging 2,576 minutes across 32 appearances this season. Standing 1.93m tall, Collins brings commanding aerial authority to every contest, partnering seamlessly with fellow defender Sepp van den Berg. Yet the 25-year-old offers more than defensive steel: his 2 goals and 2 assists reveal a modern centre-back comfortable driving into attack, while his 8 yellow cards hint at the controlled aggression that makes him a nightmare for Premier League strikers. With a contract running until 2029, Collins embodies Brentford's blueprint for sustainable top-flight success. Whether organizing the backline or carrying the ball forward, the Irish international marshals his area with veteran poise—proving that at just 25, he's already the cornerstone the Bees built their future around.