Nathan Collins
BRE
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Apr 30, 2001 (25)
Right
6'4"
183 lb
BrentfordSuffers calf strain
Collins was forced off after 17 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw against Sunderland with a calf strain, according to coach Keith Andrews. "It's a calf strain. I don't know the extent."
Analysis: Collins' early exit is a concern for Brentford, with the captain having established himself as a key presence at the heart of the defense. The severity of the calf strain and a potential recovery timeline remain unclear, leaving his availability for the upcoming fixtures uncertain. Jannik Schuster replaced Collins against Sunderland and impressed across his 73 minutes on the pitch, recording nine clearances, making him a strong candidate to start at center-back if Collins is forced to miss time.
Exits with injury in first half
Collins exited Saturday's game against Sunderland in the first half due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: The center-back departed the contest in the 17th minute with an undisclosed injury, and further tests will be needed to determine whether he'll be forced to miss an extended period of time. Jannik Schuster took his place in the defensive line and will make his EPL debut.
Three shots in draw
Collins generated three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Collins dominated aerially in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds, registering three shots including one on goal from set-piece situations, most notably beating Ethan Ampadu to Vitaly Janelt's deep corner to loop the ball back toward goal, while also making two interceptions, nine clearances and two tackles as Brentford's defensive leader. He was part of a back line that kept Leeds largely at bay for the majority of the match, with the hosts' only shot of note coming from James Justin before Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late tap-in. Collins now has five shots, 12 clearances and two interceptions across Brentford's opening two Premier League matches as one of the division's most attack-minded center-backs.
Four 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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