Frank praises ‘unsung heroes’ Janelt and Pinnock | OneFootball

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank praised Vitaly Janelt and Ethan Pinnock after the duo were recognised at the club’s end-of-season awards on Wednesday night.

Midfielder Janelt won Players' Player of the Year while defender Pinnock was named Supporters' Player of the Year.

Janelt has featured in every Premier League game this season, contributing three assists, and captained the side for the 2-1 away defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The German has shown his versatility throughout the campaign, playing as a no.6, a no.8 and even at left-back as the west Londoners struggled with injuries earlier in the season.

“I’m happy with the two winners. They deserve it, both of them,” said Frank.

“Vitaly has been hugely important for us during the four seasons he’s been here. He’s impacted massively the success we have had.

“This season he has started 36 games and came on in the 37th. He and Ethan are unsung heroes. They never hit the headlines that much. Vitaly is the glue that makes everyone better: he never stops running, he is a leader and he is extremely important.”

Pinnock has played 28 times this season, helping the Bees to keep six clean sheets, and has scored twice.

One of those goals was the opening strike against Chelsea in a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, with the other coming on his return from injury in the emphatic 5-1 victory at Luton Town last month.

The centre-back has made the fifth-most clearances in the division (197) and won the seventh-most aerial duels (113).

“This is his fifth season and it’s fair to say he’s been one of our best players over those five seasons - the most consistent and best centre-back,” said Frank.

“What he’s doing for this team is incredible. I think Ethan is one of the better centre-backs in the Premier League; he’s so efficient.

“He’s made four fouls this season, which is unbelievable. That’s such a low number, even compared to all the other world-class centre-backs in this league. That says everything about him.

“I don’t know how many teams he’s neutralised the striker from the opposition. He’s a key player for us.”

Brentford conclude their Premier League season with a visit from Newcastle United on Sunday.

Despite a raft of injuries, the Bees can finish no lower than 16th in the Premier League table.

And Frank believes the togetherness at the Robert Rowan Performance Centre has been more important than ever during a challenging campaign.

“I spoke to the staff this morning, to everyone involved, to say well done and thank them for all their hard work and togetherness,” he said.

“Our secret sauce is not the data; it is the people and the togetherness.

“I am surrounded by a fantastic group of people – all of the staff members and the players – and that is one of the reasons why we keep outperforming bigger clubs than us. It’s the people, no doubt about that.”

Frank added: “We are playing in the best league in the world and it’s tough. The difference between the teams at the top of the table and the bottom is that they get that treat more often – a win, points – that give you the energy to go again.

“Losing needs to be painful, unfortunately. But this season has been a good success. Every year you are in the Premier League is a success if you are a club of our stature. I just hate saying that because we want so much more.

“We want to be an asset to the league, we want to dream big and we want to do something special. But I am an optimistic person, I am positive, and I believe so much in this club.”