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Saman Ghoddos faces the toughest challenge of his career

Saman Ghoddos

As the only Iranian international currently playing in the English Premier League, it goes without saying that Saman Ghoddos will be keen to make a positive impression. After helping Brentford earn their promotion last season, the next challenge will be helping them to retain their status as a top tier club.

This is always a monumentally demanding task, given that many newly promoted clubs often struggle to survive, once pitted against the biggest clubs in English football. This is reflected by the latest EPL relegation odds from Betfair, with Brentford tipped as one of the favourite candidates to be relegated at 3/1 odds.

However, when the Bees made a flying start to the 2021-22 campaign by beating Arsenal, that gave everyone associated with the club reason to be optimistic. After then going on to draw in their next two Premier League encounters, both played away from home against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, the Bees have sold pundits and punters alike the conviction that that Brentford truly can hold their own at this level.

Ghoddos didn’t feature in the opening match against Arsenal, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute, although he was unable to resist joining celebrations on the pitch at the final whistle. He did play the final twenty minutes of the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, as Brentford fought hard to leave Selhurst Park with a point.

Handed a place in the starting eleven against the Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Cup, Ghoddos made the most of his opportunity provided by manager Thomas Frank, helping his team secure a comfortable 3-1 victory. The reward for progressing is a tie against Oldham Athletic in the next round, with Brentford once again benefitting from the home advantage.

Another start in attacking midfield followed for Ghoddos, although he struggled to make any significant impact in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, before eventually being substituted midway through the second half. Still, it was another important point for the Brentford cause, extending an impressive record of three games unbeaten in the Premier League.

Making such a positive start in the Premier League was always going to be vital, especially so for a modest side like Brentford, who have risen to the English elite on a limited budget. While the promotion has brought an influx of newfound wealth, the club has been cautious to avoid letting that go to their heads.

Several important additions were made to the squad, although transfer spending was relatively cautious compared to that of other Premier League sides. Instead, the main focus has been retaining the players who lifted Brentford to where they are now. Among those key ingredients was Ghoddos, although he will still need to fight for his place in the team.

Contracted to the club until 2023, nothing can be taken for granted by 27-year-old Ghoddos, aware he will need to make the most of every opportunity to play. Much will also depend on the tactical decisions of his manager, although now the Iranian appears to have adapted well to the English game, he will certainly be an important asset for Brentford this season.