Brentford Striker Igor Thiago Left Out Brazil Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

Last spring, Brentford star Igor Thiago got his maiden call up to the Brazil national team for their Stateside friendlies against France and Croatia. He came off the bench in both games, and scored from the spot against the latter to cap off his first International call up.

Despite a bit of a patchy end to the season, he was called by Carlo Ancelotti for the FIFA World Cup, scoring and assisting against Panama in one of their warm up games ahead of the tournament. 

Thiago was handed a start in Selecao's opening World Cup game against Morrocco, but it didn't go as plan. A big chance missed from a header early into the game, with not much more offered saw him replaced in the second half. Not making another appearance for Brazil through the remainder of the World Cup.

It lead to a lot of scrutiny of Thiago in Brazil, with a lot of fans believing he should not have been called up in the first place. Rightly or wrongly, they have eventually got their wish, as Thiago has not been called up for Brazil's upcoming friendlies against Australia (x2) and India during the extended international break. 

Thiago is yet to score in Brentford’s opening three Premier League games, although he did find the net from the bench against Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup.

The Brazilian has nevertheless continued to get chances. He has recorded 2.30 expected goals from nine shots, including three on target, while missing four big chances.

That was particularly evident against Leeds United, when Thiago had five shots and eight touches in the opposition box, both the highest totals of any player on the pitch. His early-season numbers suggest the opportunities are still arriving, even if the Premier League goals have not followed yet.

With the way Brentford look going forward this season, the goals are bound to come. Thiago now faces competition from Callum Wilson, Thiago was the clear number one on Wilson's arrival after a record breaking season for the striker. But the veteran Premier League goalscorer is waiting in the wings for an opportunity, should Thiago not perform.

An extended break may be the best opportunity for the Brazilian, more, allowing more time for the fixtures that follow the international break. 

Representing your nation is the biggest honour there is, so it is clear this will not have been easy for the striker, but it is likely to only fuel the fire inside him to push for a spot when Ancellotti announces his next squad for the November international break.