Igor Thiago: Can Brentford forward now earn Brazil call up?

First it was Ivan Toney. Then it was Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. Now it is Igor Thiago.

Brentford seem to have an uncanny knack of replacing one brilliant goalscorer with another.

This season, only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (14) has scored more goals in the Premier League than Thiago’s eight – after the Brazilian netted twice against Newcastle on Sunday.

Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring at Gtech Community Stadium before Kevin Schade equalised for the hosts.

Thiago coolly netted from the spot to put the Bees in front – and then slotted home late on to seal their 3-1 victory.

His pace, strength and natural goalscoring instinct have helped Brentford climb up to 12th in the table after a tricky start – with five wins from 11 games.

Uncapped by Brazil, Thiago’s form must mean he is on the radar of head coach Carlo Ancelotti – but the 24-year-old is also eligible to play for Bulgaria.

“He has been pretty good, hasn’t he? He is growing in stature and confidence and he has been pretty sensational this season,” said Brentford boss Keith Andrews, who replaced Thomas Frank in the summer.

“We are hungry to achieve and we have a hungry group. That is really important. Thiago is a good example of that.

“He’s in a great vein of form, loving life and loving football.”