Mathias Jensen believes that ‘rhythm’ has been a key factor behind his impressive form for Brentford this season.
The Denmark international spoke with club journalist Adam Goodwin ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Read the full interview with Jensen in Saturday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com.
“The rhythm I’ve got at the moment gives me the confidence to take more risks,” Jensen revealed.
“If things I try succeed and look good, or they fail, when you're in that rhythm and you have big trust from the gaffer, you don't think too much about mistakes. You're more confident and try and do the difficult things.
“The numbers - my goals and assists - are already better than last season.
“That was my aim after last season because I started it injured, then the team did well, and I never really got into a rhythm until maybe the last five or six games.
“When I finally found that rhythm the season was over.”
So far this season, the Dane has four assists and nine goal-creating actions (the two offensive actions directly leading to a goal, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls) - the most of any Brentford player across the two stat categories.
“What I've been focusing on more is what comes just before the finish - whether that be the touch or getting into the right position,” Jensen continued.
“It's more about getting into the right position or, when I do get into the right position, taking the perfect touch to set myself.
“For my goal against Bournemouth, it was the perfect touch to set myself for the finish with the second touch.
“That had been a problem during my time at Brentford - it was often what happened just before the finish that didn't work out.
“But I’ve worked on getting into the positions and being very aware of that first touch.”
Also included in your Brentford v Crystal Palace match programme
Thomas Frank’s thoughts
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
Edmund Brack, Crystal Palace reporter for the South London Press, discusses the Eagles’ recent form, Wilfried Zaha’s injury and Patrick Vieira’s preferred system
Our next King of the Castle is Richard Cadette, who signed from Sheffield United in July 1988. Cadette struck up a fruitful partnership with Gary Blissett during his first season in TW8 but found his opportunities limited following the arrival of Dean Holdsworth in the summer of 1989
The Nathan Caton column
Nico Jones has become a key figure at the heart of Brentford B’s backline. The 21-year-old spoke with Ben Strange about the B team’s Atlantic Cup campaign, his partnership with Tristan Crama and an eye-opening training session with the first-team squad
Brentford’s 3-0 victory over Southampton marked David Raya’s 50th clean sheet for the club. In Saturday’s issue, we look back on some of the goalkeeper’s most significant moments since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers in July 2019
Printed locally using sustainable materials, this 100-page issue is available online and around the Gtech Community Stadium for £4.
Available inside and outside the ground – as well as from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore – our sellers will be accepting contactless payments only.
Sales locations
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Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
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End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium
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Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).