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Why Keane Lewis-Potter Looks Set To Start At Left Back This Season
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- Why Keane Lewis-Potter Looks Set To Start At Left Back This Season
(REUTERS)
Thomas Frank first adopted this tactical idea in November of the 2024/25 season in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth (GW11). Seen as a success from the off, this was where Keane would regularly play for the remainder of the season, starting 25 of the last 27 games at left-back. Assistant manager at the time and now head coach, Keith Andrews , described Keane as "like a duck to water" when asked about how quickly he found success in his new role.
Role under Keith Andrews so far
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Managerial change came and ideas altered slightly. Upon returning to his trusty left-back spot in Keith Andrews' first home game as head coach, before the match Keane was described as "versatile" and somewhat "like a Swiss army knife". Two things were clear from the off: Andrews is fond of a simile, and Lewis-Potter is firmly in the plans of the new head coach, wherever that may be on the pitch.
There is no doubt about it that Keane is predominantly seen as a left-back in the eyes of Andrews and his staff; however, his overall role has certainly spanned beyond just the left side of defence. Operating as a tactical tweaking outlet, Lewis-Potter is vital in the way Brentford can change the tide of important Premier League games.
Most notably, Lewis-Potter's tactical importance was evident in a crucial 3-2 win away at Newcastle in November last season. Starting in a left-wing position of the front 3 with Dango Ouattara coming in off the right, Keane and the attacking forces were looking lacklustre against a resolute Newcastle defence. The key that unlocked the winning door? Swapping wingers, putting Keane in an unconventional right-wing spot, leaving Ouattara up against a petrified Kieran Trippier . Soon enough, Ouattara got the beating of Trippier once and for all and stuck away the winning goal. Tactical versatility of Lewis-Potter, the ultimate creator of a vital goal as Brentford continued their charge up the table.
Since then, Keane has been seen anywhere across the two wings and left-back, but shored up his spot in the latter position towards the end of last season, playing every minute of the last 8 games on the left flank of defence.
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Expectations for this season
After concluding a successful pre-season campaign this year with a superb, goal-scoring performance from left-back against Frankfurt on the weekend, there is little doubt about who will deservedly be taking the reins in a competitive position on Saturday against Spurs . It's Keane's to lose.
His role under Andrews last season and into this season is clear to see: firstly a left-back, but secondly a tactical weapon when needed. He is far from a left-winger reluctantly slotting in to fill a weakened spot. This is a left-back that is consistently beginning to look the real deal and is a truly rare asset for the team. A composed defender with the ability to transform into a tricky, game-changing winger is something of a rarity.
A huge season ahead for a massively underrated player that Brentford are incredibly lucky to have.
