Dango Ouattara is Justifying His Club-Record Transfer Fee
Seven days in February may have reshaped the perception of Dango Ouattara at Brentford. The west Londoners spent a club-record £42 million to acquire his services in the summer. It was an attempt to offset the 40 goals lost by Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa’s departures. But few believed Ouattara could compensate for the loss of their production.
A debut goal concealed an inauspicious start to his Brentford career. A promising autumn was disrupted by inconsistency and the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving him with three goals and four assists entering February. This month, match-winning goals against Aston Villa and Newcastle offered genuine encouragement. It was not just his efficiency that stood out. Ouattara’s overall impact was beginning to reflect his transfer fee.
With Brentford pinned in defensive phases, Ouattara became their primary outlet — repeatedly receiving in deep wide areas and carrying 30–40 yards to relieve pressure. The Burkina Faso international’s skillset has proved a match for a system dependent on rigid defensive shape and quick transitions. In matches where Brentford struggled to sustain possession, his ability to advance territory individually alleviated defensive pressure.
His running without the ball was equally important. With long balls a crucial foundation of Brentford’s approach, Mbeumo and Wissa frequently demonstrated the importance of running in behind. Ouattara is now doing the same. His goal against Villa came from latching onto Kristoffer Ajer’s long ball. Likewise, his run in behind against Newcastle resulted in the winning goal.
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To justify a £42 million price tag, those runs must be accompanied by an effective end product. The burden of replacing Mbeumo and Wissa’s output rests heavily on Ouattara. In the last two matches, he executed precise finishes, yet his cross for Vitaly Janelt’s goal at Newcastle was just as encouraging. With aerial threats such as Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade, those deliveries could become a reliable source of goals.
He was unable to continue his red-hot scoring form against the league leaders, but he nevertheless proved inspirational down the right flank and made an impact on and off the ball. All things considered, Ouattara registered one key pass, won two fouls, made nine carries (two progressive carries), and registered one shot. He also made four defensive contributions, completing two clearances, three recoveries, and two interceptions, as well as winning two tackles, whilst only two of his 30 touches were unsuccessful in Brentford’s 1-1 draw vs. Brentford
All three of Ouattara’s decisive moments occurred after switching to the left flank at St James’ Park. Conversely, he scored from the right against Villa. That versatility has been in evidence throughout the season, with Keith Andrews deploying him across the entire frontline. Ouattara’s proficiency in each position has allowed his manager to adequately fill gaps created by the summer outgoings.
Last summer’s business led many to believe Brentford would be in a relegation battle. But with the Bees rising up the table, Ouattara has the chance to create history. For a club that has never experienced European football, qualification would justify Ouattara’s transfer fee in itself. If February is a sign of what follows, £42 million may prove a bargain.
By: Calvin Burton / @CalvinBurton_
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / BSR Agency / Getty Images