Brentford continue to see Igor Thiago’s name grow in Brazil. A new interview back home has added fresh context to the striker’s rise and his growing links with the national team.
Speaking to UmDois Esportes, Bruno Saymons, who coached Igor Thiago at Under-17 level in 2018, said the Brentford forward is mentally ready for the biggest stage.
With the striker now enjoying what Brazilian media describe as a “magical season” in the Premier League, calls for a Brazil call-up have started to build.
“He does not feel the game”
According to Saymons, there would be no fear factor if Igor Thiago were handed a chance with Brazil.
“He is a player who does not feel the game,” the coach said. “If he gets the opportunity to wear that yellow shirt, he will not feel it. He will be prepared, ready to give his best and deliver everything to represent the Brazilian nation well.”
The comments come as Igor Thiago has established himself as Brentford’s main attacking reference. Brazilian outlets highlight that no other Brazilian player has scored more goals in a single Premier League season, underlining the scale of his impact in England.
From “raw” striker to decisive forward
Saymons also revisited the striker’s early days, when he arrived at Brazilian non-league side Verê after being rejected in trials at bigger clubs. The team is based in a town of around 7,000 inhabitants in south-west Paraná state, far from Brazil’s traditional football centres.
“When he arrived, he was still raw,” Saymons explained. “He needed to improve technical and tactical aspects.”
At that stage, the focus was on fundamentals rather than polish. “We worked on basic concepts like controlling the ball, passing, finishing and breaking defensive lines,” the coach said.
That groundwork paid off quickly. Igor Thiago made a decisive leap during that season and played a key role in Verê winning the state title at youth level.
Building blocks behind Brentford success
Looking at the striker now, Saymons sees clear links between that early work and his current performances in England.
“Today, we see good ball control, strong heading ability and finishing with both feet,” he said. “That all started back then, step by step.”
Igor Thiago’s rise is not only about goals or physical presence. It is also about mentality and preparation. Traits forged long before the Premier League spotlight arrived.
