Brentford's New Striking Star: Igor Thiago Shines
Where Will Brentford's Goals Come From?
Brentford fans have often pondered the question of where their team's goals will originate. This concern has been voiced repeatedly over the past few years, and some supporters may have even questioned it themselves.
Even before this issue was raised as a valid concern, the Bees had already begun to find solutions.
Following Ivan Toney's eight-month ban in May 2023 for violating Football Association betting regulations, Bryan Mbeumo stepped up to fill the gap until Toney's return.
Last summer, after Toney's transfer to Al-Ahli, Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa not only filled the void left by Toney but also significantly enhanced the west London club's goal-scoring capabilities.
However, with the departure of that dynamic duo this summer, familiar attacking concerns resurfaced. Yet again, Brentford appears to have found a solution.
Enter Igor Thiago.
The 24-year-old Brazilian has made an impressive start to the season, scoring a double against Manchester United on Saturday, bringing his Premier League tally to four goals in six matches, along with another goal in the Carabao Cup.
Thiago's two early goals at the Gtech Stadium marked him as only the second player to score twice against Manchester United within the first 20 minutes of a Premier League match, following Alexis Sanchez in 2015.
“Igor Thiago is reminiscent of a traditional centre-forward,” commented former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on TNT Sport. “He effectively attacks the spaces and possesses strong technical skills. His overall performance has greatly impressed me.”
From Struggles to a Starring Role
Given his limited appearances last season, one might mistake Thiago for a new signing making an immediate impact.
His arrival at Brentford for a club-record fee of £30 million from Club Brugge in July 2024 was seen as a significant acquisition to replace Toney.
Unfortunately, Thiago suffered a meniscus injury during his first pre-season match, sidelining him until November. A subsequent knee infection further delayed his return, and he ended his inaugural season at Brentford without scoring in eight appearances.
However, Thiago, who netted 29 goals in his single season in Belgium, is now making up for lost time.
“I observed Igor closely last year and witnessed his struggles,” said Brentford manager Keith Andrews. “Injuries can be the most challenging aspect of a professional athlete's career, preventing them from doing what they love. I developed a strong relationship with Igor behind the scenes. I have always recognized his talents and his desire to succeed. Sometimes, he needs to exercise patience to find his rhythm, but his contribution to the team has always been evident.”
Can He Fill the Void Left by Mbeumo and Wissa?
Thiago's journey has not been without adversity.
“When I was 13, my father passed away,” the striker shared with Brentford's official website last summer. “I worked various jobs, including carrying fruit at fairs and bricklaying, to support my mother before pursuing a career in professional football.”
After playing for Vere FC at a regional level in southern Brazil, he progressed to Cruzeiro and then to Europe with Bulgarian club Ludogorets.
“My early experiences have shaped my approach to the game. I have always been focused on my goals,” Thiago noted in Brentford's official match program.
His 15 goals helped Ludogorets secure the Bulgarian title in the 2022-23 season, and he was named the Conference League's young player of the season, scoring seven goals as Club Brugge reached the semi-finals.
Now, after a challenging first year in England, Thiago—who is eligible to represent either Brazil or Bulgaria internationally—is showing signs of returning to his best form.
Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer remarked, “He barely played last season due to injury, but he showcased his potential with those two goals. That’s what strikers are judged on. He appears capable of filling the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa.”
While only time will tell, early indications suggest that Brentford may have found the solution to their attacking uncertainties.