Brentford’s Igor Thiago earns first Brazil call-up, where might he fit in? | OneFootball

Hounslow Herald reports that Brentford striker Igor Thiago has received his first Brazil call-up after a prolific Premier League season.

The 24-year-old has 21 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the league, with only Erling Haaland ahead.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named him for friendlies against France and Croatia as Brazil fine-tune for this summer’s World Cup.

It gives Thiago a chance to press his claim for the tournament squad, and if the goals keep coming it could be hard to overlook him.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has said Brazil were tracking him throughout the season, with contact made about his displays.

The call-up follows a new contract to 2031 signed just over four weeks ago, plus two Premier League Player of the Month awards, a striking rise after a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season following a £30m move from Club Brugge.

Up front, Thiago offers something different to Richarlison, Matheus Cunha and João Pedro. At six ft three in and around 85kg, he can play as a traditional target man, holding the ball up and occupying defenders, yet he also drops deep to link play, drawing comparisons with Ivan Toney. His improving touch and composure could bolster his case when Brazil finalise their World Cup squad.

Source: Hounslow Herald