Just ask Newcastle: Igor Thiago is a colossus whose hidden stats show why he’s heading for the top
Igor Thiago is having a sensational season at Brentford which could see him make a late push for the Brazil national team.
Thiago has enjoyed an outstanding season at Brentford in the 2025-26 campaign thus far, netting eight goals in 11 appearances.
The Brazilian has been ruthlessly clinical in front of goal for the Bees, especially after missing the 2024-25 campaign through injury.
His comeback has been quite incredible and with Tottenham monitoring Thiago, he is quietly mustering up a season which could see him push into Carlo Ancelotti‘s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Thiago at the double for Brentford as his goalscoring prowess on show vs Newcastle
The 24-year-old was the double for the Bees on 9 November as they delivered a stunning performance to beat Newcastle 3-1.
The ex-Club Brugge frontman was central to everything Brentford did both offensively and defensively, as exhibited by his five out of six aerial duels won during the 90 minutes.
His shot map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlights his clinical nature in front of goal.
The Brazilian first converted a penalty before getting on the end of a defensive mishap to put the result beyond doubt.
Thiago accrued 1.18xG from his three shots on goal, reflecting his tendency to have fewer, but better to score, chances in front of goal.
Brazil want clinical striker ahead of World Cup
O Seleção take on Senegal and Tunisia in November friendlies after booking their place for the World Cup in the previous international break.
Competitively, Ancelotti has only lost one match in the difficult altitude of La Paz in Bolivia as he looks to restore Brazil’s footballing credibility on the world stage once again.
Yet, upon his most recent selection, eyebrows were raised at the lack of an in-form striker with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and Richarlison blowing hot and cold with 9 goals in 32 league games between them.
Conversely, Man United target Vitor Roque is yet to return back to Europe, posing questions over whether he can perform at the highest level on the global stage after retreating back to his home country with Palmeiras.
Therefore, the Italian manager has to strongly consider the prospect of bringing Thiago to the World Cup when reviewing his underperforming frontmen at club level.
The number nine has already showed a remarkable level of conversion and efficiency in arguably the best league in the world, raising a valid prospect that he could make a dramatic late push for the Yellow Canaries’ squad.