Brentford striker Igor Thiago continues to make history in the Premier League, and a new interview in Brazil has added further insight into why his rise was always seen as a matter of time.
His performances are again being analysed back home, this time through the eyes of a coach who worked closely with him before his professional breakthrough.
Célio Lúcio, a former Cruzeiro defender and current youth coach at the club, spoke exclusively to Trivela about his time with Igor Thiago at Under-20 level.
He detailed the striker’s transition into professional football and explained why he believes the Brentford forward has the tools to play at the very highest level.
Early signs that caught Cruzeiro’s attention
Before becoming a Premier League headline, Igor Thiago had already built a strong scoring record in Europe. He scored 15 goals during Ludogorets’ Bulgarian title-winning campaign and later added 29 goals in 55 appearances for Club Brugge.
Brentford, well known for identifying undervalued talent, moved for the striker, although a serious knee injury last season delayed his explosion in England. Still, Célio Lúcio insists the foundations were always there.
According to the coach, Cruzeiro’s interest was sparked during a trial match that left a lasting impression. “What really defined Thiago’s situation was an open-field exercise,” he said.
The story is blunt and emotional for Célio: “He was playing for the reserve side, and the first team defence had two youth internationals at centre-back. There was a moment on the left side where he sprinted, went straight through both defenders and scored. That was total approval. I will never forget that moment.”
Humility, work ethic and constant learning
Célio explained that Igor Thiago did not stand out immediately during his first week of trials. Shy by nature, he needed time to show his qualities. However, by the second week, signs of his potential became clear.
One aspect, in particular, stood out to the coach and still explains much of his success today. “Thiago showed a very important trait for a young player who wants to succeed: humility,” Célio said. “He accepted the advice we gave him.”
That mindset translated into work on the training ground. “The most important characteristics we saw were his strength and his ability to carry the ball close to his foot. That was the differential that got him approved,” he explained.
“After that, we analysed him more closely and gave him specific points to work on, like ball control and heading. Thiago was very committed to learning. He arrived 20 minutes early and stayed after training”, he revealed.
That dedication led to visible progression. Igor Thiago became a starter at the Brazilian Youth Cup and soon earned minutes in Brazil’s second division with Cruzeiro. Yet, for those who worked with him, his obsession with technical improvement left the strongest impression.
Similar patterns now visible at Brentford
Watching Igor Thiago in the Premier League, Célio sees familiar movements and habits that date back to those early years.
“At Cruzeiro, he could score through the middle, play with his back to goal, even with some technical difficulty at first,” he said. “He grew with the work we did. That carry from the left side is very similar to what I see in the goals he scores in England now. That was already part of his game.”
The coach also highlighted the striker’s ability to protect the ball and drive forward with it under pressure, something he describes as extremely difficult to execute at the highest level.
“That is where age and maturity came in,” Célio added. “You need patience.”
Big club profile
Despite being one of the Premier League’s top scorers, Igor Thiago still plays for a club often underestimated by the wider public. However, Célio believes the Brentford striker has the profile to go far beyond his current stage.
“I see Thiago with the characteristics to play for Barcelona or Bayern Munich,” he said. “They are different teams of course. Barcelona and Real Madrid are more technical. But at Bayern, I think Thiago would fit even better because of his profile, the way he plays, his physicality and their style of football.”
While acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly in decision-making, the coach stressed how much the striker has evolved in one-on-one finishing, heading and overall game understanding. Mental growth, he believes, has been decisive.
Brazil debate and a word of caution
Igor Thiago’s form has inevitably led to debate around a potential Brazil call-up. His profile contrasts sharply with the more mobile or false-nine options recently used, offering a physical reference point inside the box and with his back to goal.
Célio recognises that difference, but remains cautious. “The tendency is that he will be given opportunities because of everything he has done well,” he said.
“He has a different profile, different from the other forwards in the national team. So he has to be tested. But I do not know if this is the right moment yet, so close to a World Cup”, he stressed.
Ultimately, he believes the decision rests on Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical ideas. Still, from pressing intensity to defensive work and physical output, Igor Thiago matches many of the demands of modern football.
Asked for advice to his former player, Célio’s tone turned almost paternal. “My advice to Thiago?” he said, laughing. “To keep his humility. He is focused, he listens, he is very simple. His career will be even brighter than he imagines. He is a good human being, respectful, who loves his family. I am sure he will achieve a lot more.”
For Brentford, that assessment reinforces a growing consensus in Brazil. Igor Thiago’s success is not a surprise for those who really knew him. It is the product of years of work that are now being rewarded on the Premier League stage.