Analysis: How Kayode and Ouattara have transformed Brentford’s right flank | OneFootball

Brentford were held to an absorbing 2-2 draw against Wolves on Monday night, and the attacking contributions of Michael Kayode and Dango Ouattara highlighted the evolution of the Bees’ right flank.

Full-back Kayode powered home a stunning header to score his first goal for the Bees before Ouattara teed up Igor Thiago for his 19th Premier League goal of the season in the 37th minute.

However, a clinical Adam Armstrong finish and a late Tolu Arokodare header dragged the visitors level in an eventful contest which saw both sides hit the woodwork.

Keith Andrews afterwards spoke of his "frustration" at losing a two-goal lead, but Brentford remain seventh in the table, four points off the Champions League spots with eight games of the season left to play.

Among the highlights from Brentford's perspective were the displays of Kayode and Ouattara, who have stepped up this season to fill the attacking void left by Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank.

In Kayode’s case, the Italian delivered a typically dynamic performance and finally got his name on the scoresheet in his 48th appearance for the club.

Now regarded as one of the Premier League's most rounded full-backs, the former Fiorentina man powered home a bullet header from Keane Lewis-Potter's outstanding cross to break his goalscoring duck in style.

Any notion of Kayode being typecast as merely a long-throw merchant has been firmly dispelled by his marauding displays this term, and the 21-year-old has registered more successful dribbles (42) than any other defender in the top flight.

Kayode ranks top among Brentford players for tackles won (57), interceptions (31) and crosses blocked (12), underlining his defensive value. He also offers finesse as well as physicality - only Mikkel Damsgaard (32) has played more key passes for the Bees during the 2025/26 campaign than the Italy Under-21s international.

Despite scoring a storming first goal and registering more touches (70) than any player on the pitch, Playmaker's Man of the Match was Kayode’s right-sided partner, Ouattara.

A constant menace with his pace and direct running, the Burkina Faso international caused Wolves problems throughout and created more chances (4) than any other player at the Gtech.

Ouattara's assist, in many ways, typified what he offers this Brentford attack. Found by Caoimhín Kelleher's pinpoint long ball, the former Lorient forward raced clear of Wolves' backline, took an exquisite first touch and then rolled the ball into Thiago's path for the easiest of strikes.

The architect of goals against Burnley and Newcastle in recent weeks, Ouattara now has three assists in his last six Premier League games, and his ability to stretch defences and create for the Bees is increasingly apparent.

A final word, however, for Thiago. Called up by Brazil shortly before kick-off, Brentford's top scorer now has 20 goal involvements in the top tier this season courtesy of his 19 goals and single assist.

Erling Haaland (22 goals; seven assists) and Bruno Fernandes (seven goals; 16 assists) are the only other Premier League players involved in 20+ goals this season, and the prospect of Brentford’s no.9 leading the line for Brazil underlines just how far he has come this season.