Igor Thiago has reflected on a breakthrough Premier League season with Brentford, admitting he is learning directly from Erling Haaland as his rapid rise places him among the division’s most prolific forwards.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, the 24-year-old striker opened up on his development in England, his ambitions with Brazil and the setbacks that shaped his current form.
Brentford striker embracing unexpected rise
Now in his second season with Brentford, Igor Thiago has emerged as the Premier League’s top-scoring Brazilian and sits second overall in the Golden Boot race, behind only Erling Haaland.
“Playing in the Premier League and competing with great players is something surreal and surprising for me,” Igor Thiago said. “I dreamed of building this kind of story, but I didn’t imagine it would happen so fast. This season has been extraordinary.”
Having followed Brentford’s campaign closely, his growth has been striking — not just in goals, but in movement, link-up play and consistency across different match scenarios.
Learning directly from Haaland
Rather than feeling weighed down by comparisons, Igor Thiago sees competing with Haaland as a catalyst for improvement.
“Fighting with a guy like him makes me want to reach my highest level,” he explained. “He is someone who pulls you up. It’s very good to compete for the scoring title with him.”
The striker revealed he studies the Manchester City forward closely and even spoke to him after a recent meeting between the sides.
“I told him that he is one of my inspirations,” Igor Thiago said. “Many of the things I’ve been doing, I learned by watching him play.”
That attention to detail has helped him refine his movement in the box and his efficiency with limited chances.
Brazil dream edging closer
International recognition now feels increasingly realistic. Igor Thiago has appeared on Brazil’s preliminary squad lists in recent windows and hopes a first senior call-up is imminent.
“There is no way I would wear any shirt other than Brazil’s,” he said. “If I do not wear Brazil’s shirt, I will not wear any other. It is the dream of my life.”
Even monitoring from the national team staff carries weight.
“Just hearing my name mentioned already makes me very happy,” he added.
Confidence amid fierce competition
Brazil’s attacking pool remains crowded, with players such as Richarlison, Igor Jesus, João Pedro and Matheus Cunha all competing for central roles. Igor Thiago insists competition sharpens rather than intimidates him.
“All these centre-forwards performing well show that we always have to maintain a high level,” he said. “I can adapt to different areas of the pitch. I’m not a player who just stays in the box.”
Mobility, he believes, is a defining strength.
“I leave the box, help build plays and run into space. Because of my physical profile, I also have speed. I can adapt to the team’s style.”
Built through adversity
The striker’s impact has not come without hardship. Since arriving in Europe in 2022, he adapted to football in Bulgaria and Belgium before joining Brentford — experiences he credits for preparing him for English football.
“In Bulgaria and Belgium, the speed of the game prepared me for the Premier League,” he said. “Sometimes you only get one chance in a match and you have to be lethal.”
A serious knee injury also sidelined him for almost a year after joining Brentford, a period he now views as formative.
“That time helped me understand the league, the coach’s demands and my role as a centre-forward,” he explained. “It allowed me to regain the joy of playing football.”
Momentum with room to grow
This season has confirmed Igor Thiago’s status as one of Brentford’s most valuable assets. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his ceiling.
Much will depend on sustaining output, handling increased attention and continuing to evolve tactically — challenges he appears eager to embrace.
Key Insights
- Igor Thiago is the Premier League’s top Brazilian scorer
- He studies Erling Haaland closely to refine his game
- A Brazil call-up remains a lifelong ambition
- Mobility and adaptability define his playing style
- Injury setbacks helped accelerate his development
What’s Next
With Brentford pushing through the second half of the season, Igor Thiago will aim to maintain his scoring rate and strengthen his case for international selection. Continued consistency could place him firmly in Brazil’s plans — and attract wider attention across Europe.
Is Igor Thiago already among the Premier League’s elite strikers — or is his best football still to come?
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