I know this, you know this: in attack, the Brazilian team has great wingers (Vini Jr., Estêvão, Raphinha) and great “false 9” (Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, João Pedro) who can retreat to set up plays – a role in which Neymar fits –, create tables, take risks from medium distance.
What’s missing (I know this, you know this) in the attack is a center forward, a man in the box, an authentic number 9, someone who, acting as modern football demands, is capable of quick and precise finishes.
Carlo Ancelotti, who leads the national team, is looking for someone like that. If not to always play with him, to have the option, depending on the opponent or what the match demands (regardless of the opponent), to turn to him.
We don’t have a Ronaldo Fenômeno (9th from the fifth championship, in 2002), a Romário (9th, playing with 11th, from the fourth, in 1994). We won the World Cup with a natural center forward (Vavá, 1958 and 1962) and without one (Tostão, 1970).
It’s not what determines success, but in a squad of 26, I consider it vital to have a center forward, ideally two. If unnecessary, you don’t need to play. But he could be the one to solve a game.
Carletto has been having difficulty finding this figure, number 9. He praised Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham, who is a “trusted man”, coached by him at another English club, Everton), Igor Jesus (from English Nottingham Forest). The last two had a chance in the Ancelotti era; the first, due to injury, not yet.
Because “not yet” will have to be expanded on the Italian’s radar. The moment has great relevance in football, and the moment shines the light on a center forward: Igor Thiago, from England’s Brentford.
Who is this?, those who are not regular spectators of the English Championship will ask.
Gamense Igor Thiago, 24 years old and 1.91 m, played for Cruzeiro before, in 2022, migrating to Bulgaria. He was a top scorer. He moved to Belgium. He was a top scorer. His goals led to a move to England. Not for a giant, but for modest Brentford, who are going through an immodest phase due to the Brazilian goalscorer.
In 21 games in English, 16 balls in the net (46% of the team’s total). With the right foot, with the left, with a header, from a penalty. Second top scorer in the competition, behind Norwegian Haaland (20 goals).
Brentfod is grateful: in fifth place, they are the second best of the seven Londoners, behind only the leader Arsenal, looking at Chelsea in the rearview mirror.
Igor Thiago, from what he has shown, is superior to Pedro, Richarlison, the namesake Jesus and anyone else.
He knows how to play with the team by pressing, having possession of the ball – with presence in the area and ability to anticipate defenders – or counterattacking (Pedro is flawed here), positioning himself in free spaces.
He finishes quickly and has had good aim: 55% of his attempts go towards the goal, compared to 36% of Richarlison’s and 18% of Jesus’s.
He’s tall (more than Pedro, Richarlison and Jesus) and strong, plays the pivot decently, knows how to pressurize (another weak point of Pedro’s).
Today, it is the most recommended. If so, he deserves a place in this year’s World Cup, in June in North America. What are you missing? Being called up and having the opportunity, with the yellow shirt, to do what he does at the club.
There are two friendlies in March (France and Croatia), excellent tests. Call him, Carletto.
LINK PRESENT: Did you like this text? Subscribers can access seven free accesses from any link per day. Just click the blue F below.
