Brentford were written off by many heading into the 2025-26 season. Not only had Thomas Frank left to join Spurs, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa, the club’s two main goal threats, jumped ship for Man United and Newcastle, respectively.
What they didn’t realise is that the club have a remarkable record of replacing players, particularly in the forward areas. Igor Thiago wasn’t a new signing, but a serious meniscus injury last season, meant he was sidelined for much of 2024-25.
Halfway into 2025-26, the 24-year-old is now Erling Haaland’s closest competitor for the Premier League’s Golden Boot with 14 goals in his 19 games. So, why as Thiago been so effective for Brentford this season?
Sticking with the Brentford formula
Frank was a member of Dean Smith’s staff before he took over the big job, just like Keith Andrews was Frank’s set piece coach. That continuation has proved to be incredibly important, especially when replacing a manager who had been at the club for seven years.
Arguably the smartest thing Andrews has done since he took over is not upset the apple cart too much. Brentford are still playing the pragmatic football that brought them such success under Frank. The Dane isn’t having such luck now at Tottenham.
Brentford are a club that know who they are. That doesn’t mean they’re not ambitious, the higher-ups are just aware how hard it is to compete with the big boys without a solid base and potentially decades of hard work.
So, they play direct football. Brentford have averaged 46% possession across their 20 Premier League games, average 22.6 accurate long balls per 90 minutes, the third most in the league, and have had just 459 touches in the opposition box.
Don’t think they don’t create chances, though. Brentford are only behind title chasing Man City and Arsenal for big chances created (59), and have a respectable xG of 31.5, which is nearly right on point for the number of goals they’ve scored (32).
Where does Thiago fit into all of this?
A lot of those chances generated have, unsurprisingly, come from set pieces. Michael Kayode’s long throw has been a major thorn in the side for plenty of opponents this season, just ask Chelsea, who conceded a 93rd minute equaliser from one.
It would be unfair to characterise Thiago as a lump up top, he’s more technically gifted than that would portray, but he is a very combative, traditional Premier League number nine. The type that would have done really well in the early 2000s.
All of Thiago’s 14 Premier League goals have come from inside box, and yes, six of them have been penalties, in fact Brentford have been awarded the most spot kicks so far this season, but he’s a clinical finisher.
Thiago’s 14 goals have come from 44 shots, 26 of which have been on target, and an xG of 11.09, who while he is over performing in that metric, it’s clear he only pulls the trigger when he believes there is a high chance to hit the back of the net.
Standing at a healthy 6’3”, he has no trouble wrestling with opposition defenders when needed. He’s won 18 tackles, 97 duels, and possession in the final third eight times. The striker has also completed 15 dribbles at the success rate of 51.7%, so it’s pretty hard to get the ball off him.
What could be next for Thiago?
A striker scoring this much for a ‘lesser’ Premier League side means the big boys will inevitably come sniffing. And while Thiago is clearly a fantastic player, a side that would look to dominate a game like any member of the ‘big six’ should be wary.
Thiago’s form is very much a product of the system at Brentford. There will likely come a day when he believes he deserves a chance to compete for silverware, but sometimes being a big fish in a relatively small pond is ok, for the time being at least.
What he should have his eye on is a place in the Brazil squad at the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have a lot of top quality options at the number nine, and Thaigo would certainly offer something different.