Micah Richards has heaped tremendous praise on Ivan Toney, questioning why the Brentford star has gone under the radar. The 27-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea recently – among other top clubs too – following his impressive performances this season.
Toney, who sees his contract with the Bees expire in 2025, has featured 33 times for Thomas Frank's side in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 24 goals. He is currently third top scorer in the division, behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Richards claimed that he'd love to see the Brentford star be included in the PFA team of the year. The former Manchester City defender said: "One thing I’ve always loved seeing is how a player improves from one season to the next
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"Ivan Toney’s progress, then, has given me a huge thrill. Twenty League goals for Brentford? Wow. I don’t know why but nobody is talking about him as much as they should.
"Toney was superb at Liverpool, his touch and awareness outstanding. I’d love to see him in the PFA team of the year."
With Chelsea in desperate need of a talisman and Romelu Lukaku and Joao Felix looking far far from the answer, Toney emerged as a potential candidate to lead the line. Todd Boehly has already been assured that by signing the Brentford star the Blues will take a huge step towards finally getting their hands back on the Premier League trophy.
Speaking on the 'The Hard Truth' podcast last year, Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony insisted that Toney is the perfect heir to Didier Drogba's throne. He said: "Ivan Toney is Chelsea's Drogba, I'm telling you right now.
"Remember what type of player Drogba was, look at Toney, the physicality, leading the line, and giving defenders nightmares. Everything about him, big goals at big moments, a leader and a match-winner.
"I don't think a lot of clubs have £100million to spend in January. The only one would be Chelsea if Todd Boehly has any sense with his people. It's really funny because we tried to sell him, Brighton, when Graham Potter was there. We had Barry Fry try and contact the owner, but he was out in Australia.
"I know he wasn't a happy man because when he got back, he had missed calls off Baz, and nobody at the time said to him he had missed calls, and I know they feel they missed out on one. I think if Ivan Toney went into the Chelsea team, they could battle with Man City. Get Toney to Chelsea, and they would win the title in the next two years."
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