When Ivan Toney was playing in League One just two years ago, any comparisons with Didier Drogba would have been laughable.
But no-one is laughing now - certainly not Wolves ' defence who were run ragged by the Brentford frontman.
Toney was exceptional against them as he scored from the spot to open the scoring after being fouled before assisting strike partner Bryan Mbeumo.
The former Peterborough forward could have had more goals but had two efforts disallowed in the first half.
He carried a huge threat throughout as the heartbeat of the promoted visitors’ first away win in the Premier League.
Team-mate Christian Norgaard revealed afterwards that Brentford’s stars were comparing him to Chelsea legend Drogba, a four-time Premier League and FA Cup winner, who also lifted the Champions League.
Norgaard, 27, said: “I think Bryan and Ivan did a fantastic job and they linking up very well at the moment.
“I heard someone in the changing room comparing Ivan with Didier Drogba.
“I think he looked a bit like him actually - the way he kept the ball, his first touch and his passes.
“He won every single header and he is a right player.”
Toney was in the third tier with Peterborough before a £5million move to the Bees.
He smashed 33 goals last term in his first year and will scare any Premier League defender on this evidence.
Not only was he lethal in front of goal, but after the break his hold up play was crucial after Shandon Baptiste's sending off in the 64th minute for two bookings.
Toney won more duels (21) and more aerial battles (eight) than any other player.
The Bees’ striker was visibly buzzing with confidence in his post-match assessment after doubling his top-flight tally.
Is Toney on the path to becoming the next Drogba? Have your say below.Toney, 25, said: “Now we have set a statement and we are not scared to go anywhere.
“That is a few times our opposition maybe think: ‘you are not in the Championship now’.
“They disrespect us in a way.
“I think a few teams underestimated us but we just go out there and do our job.
“We fear nobody.”
Toney’s irresistible display was in stark contrast to his opposite number Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican, 30, is still trying to get his eye in again after returning this term from emergency surgery on a fractured skull last November.
He had a great chance to pull a goal back late on but headed Adama Traore’s cross wide and threw away his protective headband in frustration.
Jimenez and Traore were a lethal double act in 2019/20 when the two shared more assists than any other pairing in the league with eight.
But Jimenez admits they are not yet on the same wavelength.
He reflected: “We haven’t been linking really well but we had an opportunity and a header but it went out.
“We are working and are going to get there again.”
