Brentford manager Thomas Frank is excited about the signing of Igor Thiago for the upcoming season, as the club aims to continue its trend of producing top-class goal scorers. Frank describes Thiago as a physically strong striker who is good in the air, in the box, and in pressing, as well as being quick. The Brazilian has been in fine form for Club Bruges, and Frank hopes he can seamlessly adapt to the Premier League.
Frank points to the impressive run of strikers that Brentford has had during his tenure. Neil Maupay went from scoring 12 goals to 25 goals in a season under Frank’s guidance, earning him a move to Brighton. Saïd Benrahma also had a successful season, scoring 17 goals before transferring to West Ham. However, he struggled to replicate that form at his new club. Ollie Watkins, on the other hand, smashed in 25 goals before making a move to Aston Villa, while Brentford brought in Ivan Toney from Peterborough as his replacement.
Toney set a Championship record by scoring 31 goals and becoming the top scorer. In his first season in the Premier League, he scored 12 goals and followed it up with 20 goals in the second season. Frank attributes this success to the club’s scouting abilities and the way they set up to play, which demands a lot from their strikers.
While all the goals scored by Benrahma, Watkins, and Toney are impressive, Frank admits that he is particularly proud of Neil Maupay. After a goalless 18-month spell, Maupay returned to Brentford on loan and scored six goals in the Premier League and eight overall.
Frank believes that their success in producing goal scorers is due to a combination of factors, including scouting and their style of play. He is confident that Thiago can continue this trend and make a significant impact for Brentford in the Premier League.
