This year may have marked the end of the imperious Jürgen Klopp era at Liverpool, but a trip to Anfield remains one of the hardest fixtures in world football - and Brentford's quest for a Premier League win in front of the Kop continues.

The Bees suffered a 2-0 defeat against Arne Slot's Reds on Sunday, as goals either side of the break from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah consigned Thomas Frank's side to their first reverse of the new campaign.

Afterwards, Frank admitted that the better side prevailed but pointed out that a lightning fast counter for Diaz's 13th minute opener was preventable from the Bees' perspective and that the first period was "our best half of football here at Anfield".

Brentford chances came at a premium, but the course of the game could have altered had an effort from defender Nathan Collins found its way past Alisson in Liverpool's goal on 55 minutes - the central defender's powerful header pawed to safety by the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Collins was excellent throughout and the imposing Irishman must have been in his head coach’s thoughts when Frank later spoke of his side making "some decisive blocks and good defensive actions".

As well as posing a threat at the other end, Collins impressed at the back as the Bees switched to a 3-5-2 at Anfield and the centre-back made an impressive six blocks during a competitive contest that saw the hosts "attack from all angles", according to Frank.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international tied Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk for most aerial duels won (3) during the game and set the tone for Brentford with the ball as well, taking more touches (67) and playing more accurate passes (52) than any Bees player.

Although Brentford keeper Mark Flekken (8.3) topped Playmaker's match rankings for Brentford on Merseyside, Collins (7.9) was awarded the highest rating of any outfield player for the visitors and his fantastic form at the start of 2024/25 bodes well for the Bees.

Despite the Bees having to shuffle their pack due to a raft of injuries last season, Collins' stats still made for impressive reading last term - and the prospect of the Stoke academy graduate taking his game to another level this term is an exciting one.

Despite missing six games for Brentford in 2023/24, Collins ranked in the top 20 in the Premier League for interceptions (=10th), shots blocked (12th), clearances (16th) and aerial duels won (20th), and he was only dribbled past on 10 occasions last term.

Collins’ performance at one of the most daunting away grounds in Europe speaks to his temperament - and, if his early season form is anything to go by, he looks set to consolidate his credentials as a key man for the Bees this season.