Igor Thiago (58 Viewers)

Igor Thiago

On the penalty, it was borne out of nerves. He went for the highest probability of scoring and it went in. But he won't be able to do that every time... will be interesting to see how he varies it, whether he's got the consistency of an Mbeumo or Toney.

Given his size I think we all expected him to be a battering ram... but he seems a very different striker to what's gone before.

Hoofing the ball to him with his back to goal was fruitless. Play to his strengths... he's quick, we need Damsgaard, Schade and Dango putting balls through for him to run onto.
 

Igor Thiago

detours said:
On the penalty, it was borne out of nerves. He went for the highest probability of scoring and it went in. But he won't be able to do that every time... will be interesting to see how he varies it, whether he's got the consistency of an Mbeumo or Toney.

Given his size I think we all expected him to be a battering ram... but he seems a very different striker to what's gone before.

Hoofing the ball to him with his back to goal was fruitless. Play to his strengths... he's quick, we need Damsgaard, Schade and Dango putting balls through for him to run onto.
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I don’t understand this.
If I was nervous about a penalty then hitting it down the middle is absolutely the last thing I’d do!
 

Igor Thiago

detours said:
Given his size I think we all expected him to be a battering ram... but he seems a very different striker to what's gone before.
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He's more than capable, he's done it at Brugges.

KA keeps mentioning about players "trusting their bodies", I don't think Igor has become a wimp, I think he hasn't had enough real full bloodied battles and come through them to dispel any worries about his knee. If he's still pussyfooting around when he's had 3-4 games under his belt that would be a different story.

He looked mustard last season at Wimbledon and then, bang, injured. Then a bloody infection, it's got to affect you.
 

Igor Thiago

A simple gesture from JH that will give IT a lot of confidence ?
 

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Igor Thiago

LongLostBee said:
I don’t understand this.
If I was nervous about a penalty then hitting it down the middle is absolutely the last thing I’d do!
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Side-footing it along the ground down the middle is the most nailed on approach to ensure you don't miss ?‍♂️ and 95% of the time the GK will dive out of the way.

Having watched his penalties back, he doesn't do the keeper-dependant technique, and has had a few saved (though knocked in a few rebounds along the way). I know we're greedy after watching Toney and Bryan, but I hope to see him power unsaveable penalties into the corners in future.
Ghost said:
He's more than capable, he's done it at Brugges.
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Yes 100% -- I just mean he looks pacey for a big bloke which is still good if we play to that strength while he remembers how to do the battling. If he can get the physicality going he'll be massive for us.
 

Igor Thiago

detours said:
Side-footing it along the ground down the middle is the most nailed on approach to ensure you don't miss ?‍♂️ and 95% of the time the GK will dive out of the way.

Having watched his penalties back, he doesn't do the keeper-dependant technique, and has had a few saved (though knocked in a few rebounds along the way). I know we're greedy after watching Toney and Bryan, but I hope to see him power unsaveable penalties into the corners in future.

Yes 100% -- I just mean he looks pacey for a big bloke which is still good if we play to that strength while he remembers how to do the battling. If he can get the physicality going he'll be massive for us.
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I reckon you’ve been reading some stats thing which probably hides the reality of taking a penalty down the middle, which may be that by the time you get to the professional level the ones taking it down the middle sometimes, are really really good at penalties and people who are worse at them don’t even try to do that as they’ve already found out what happens when they do.
 

Igor Thiago

LongLostBee said:
I reckon you’ve been reading some stats thing which probably hides the reality of taking a penalty down the middle, which may be that by the time you get to the professional level the ones taking it down the middle sometimes, are really really good at penalties and people who are worse at them don’t even try to do that as they’ve already found out what happens when they do.
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Alternatively, if IT ends up being our regularly pen taker (I hope not), if you're a GK, you do your homework and basically stand still, being ready to move a bit to your right or left. If that is Igor's main area for aiming a pen, then he will not score many. He'll then be forced to aim for a corner, which requires much more precision - much harder to do under pressure or if lacking confidence.

If however, hitting it down the middle is one of many successful variants, then that is fine. There's a good reason why Bryan and Ivan didn't just punt it down the middle.
 

Igor Thiago

Hippobee said:
Alternatively, if IT ends up being our regularly pen taker (I hope not), if you're a GK, you do your homework and basically stand still, being ready to move a bit to your right or left. If that is Igor's main area for aiming a pen, then he will not score many. He'll then be forced to aim for a corner, which requires much more precision - much harder to do under pressure or if lacking confidence.

If however, hitting it down the middle is one of many successful variants, then that is fine. There's a good reason why Bryan and Ivan didn't just punt it down the middle.
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I honestly don’t know why people are giving it a moments thought. He took a penalty. He scored. It seems like looking for faults when there aren’t any.
 

Igor Thiago

LongLostBee said:
I honestly don’t know why people are giving it a moments thought. He took a penalty. He scored. It seems like looking for faults when there aren’t any.
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Took a minute to look back at his goals at Brugge and he took a few pens down the middle in the exact same fashion.

Scored them all, but it was a goals montage ;)
 

Igor Thiago

LongLostBee said:
I don’t understand this.
If I was nervous about a penalty then hitting it down the middle is absolutely the last thing I’d do!
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What would you do then?
 

Igor Thiago

LongLostBee said:
I don’t understand this.
If I was nervous about a penalty then hitting it down the middle is absolutely the last thing I’d do!
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Sorry. Take back my previous comment. See what you were saying.?
 

Igor Thiago

I thought he looked well short of confidence and sharpness. Lost every duel and couldn’t get in the game.
 

Igor Thiago

Isleworth_Bee said:
No argument. But on the bits he could have worked with he did nothing and was easily dominated.

lots of stuff to work on.
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It would be interesting if some statto could rate the top PL centre forwards’ performances against Milenkovic…
 

Igor Thiago

Maybe we should also play the ball into his feet or for him to run on to? Just because he is big doesn't mean he has to be a battering ram or old school CF. Im sure it can be an element of his game but if that's all we are looking for then a dud like Keifer Moore would have been cheaper
 

Igor Thiago

.... everyone wants the big lad to do well... he's yet to convince.... that's the reality... but he's cut an isolated figure so far... I'm hoping a fully fit KS and the incoming DO will provide him with the service and supply he needs...fwiw I have a hunch he's a fox in the box type of striker...and not a target man....get in the 6 yard box and stay there Thiago.
 

Igor Thiago

JCMcBee said:
.... everyone wants the big lad to do well... he's yet to convince.... that's the reality... but he's cut an isolated figure so far... I'm hoping a fully fit KS and the incoming DO will provide him with the service and supply he needs...fwiw I have a hunch he's a fox in the box type of striker...and not a target man....get in the 6 yard box and stay there Thiago.
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Whose 6 yard box? He was in ours a couple of times in open play!
 

Igor Thiago

SlumanBee said:
Whose 6 yard box? He was in ours a couple of times in open play!
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...I know....you're right...I could have cried...he was the lonliest man on the pitch Sunday...never again...we need wide men to supply him...and KA must drum it into him that the opposition 6yrd box is his home.
 

Igor Thiago

I know this is reaching but does anyone remember his first outing for us in that friendly against Wimbledon? I know it was just Wimbledon but I remember thinking wow this guy looks extremely sharp. He was confident, pacy and made some great runs, nearly having a hattrick before half time, that was off the back of a full season playing week in week out. He’s now been out for so long and that playing sharpness is going to take a while but that same player will be in there. A lot to take off one half of pre season football I know, but we don’t spend club record fee for no reason
 

Igor Thiago

You couldn't make it up sometimes on here. Our previous record signing, who's barely played a game, scores a penalty and has hit the target with every shot he's had so far, but apparently was lucky that the goalkeeper dived out of the way of it. If I had such a negative viewpoint in life I don't think I'd get out of bed in the morning.

There were some issues in the game on Sunday but f*** me, Thiago wasn't one of them. Give him some support FFS!
 

Igor Thiago

Ghost said:
He's more than capable, he's done it at Brugges.

KA keeps mentioning about players "trusting their bodies", I don't think Igor has become a wimp, I think he hasn't had enough real full bloodied battles and come through them to dispel any worries about his knee. If he's still pussyfooting around when he's had 3-4 games under his belt that would be a different story.

He looked mustard last season at Wimbledon and then, bang, injured. Then a bloody infection, it's got to affect you.
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What does ‘trusting their bodies’ actually mean? I was a consultant for many years and it sounds like the bs my colleagues (and me in a tricky situation) would come up with. Sounds profound but actually means nothing. Imagine saying that to a player, as you wander away he’s going to say ‘wtf was that all about’
 

Igor Thiago

TorbayBee said:
What does ‘trusting their bodies’ actually mean? I was a consultant for many years and it sounds like the bs my colleagues (and me in a tricky situation) would come up with. Sounds profound but actually means nothing. Imagine saying that to a player, as you wander away he’s going to say ‘wtf was that all about’
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Never had a significant sporting injury, but about 2 years ago I developed tennis elbow which took about 18 months to fully heal and for a good while I would pick things up half expecting a shooting pain up my arm. I couldn't even rotate a 5kg dumbell and lost all my strength in my arm. I am an intermediate lifter in the gym and still not back up to the numbers I was doing pre-injury. It's taken until very recently for me to trust the strength and grip in my affected arm.

So applied to players, I would imagine this would be sprinting or taking heavy contact without fearing a pop or tear I guess. ?‍♂️
 

Igor Thiago

Ghost said:
Never had a significant sporting injury, but about 2 years ago I developed tennis elbow which took about 18 months to fully heal and for a good while I would pick things up half expecting a shooting pain up my arm. I couldn't even rotate a 5kg dumbell and lost all my strength in my arm. I am an intermediate lifter in the gym and still not back up to the numbers I was doing pre-injury. It's taken until very recently for me to trust the strength and grip in my affected arm.

So applied to players, I would imagine this would be sprinting or taking heavy contact without fearing a pop or tear I guess. ?‍♂️
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can you play up front?
 

Igor Thiago

snowstormbee said:
A simple gesture from JH that will give IT a lot of confidence ?
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Thiago looks more like the GF trying to sheepishly hold Hendo's hand after an argument, but he's not quite ready to yet

Playing up to all other comments here... Maybe there was a disagreement on where to place the penalty ?
 

Igor Thiago

For those interested, I did a "Deep Research" on Gemini on Igor and how best to utilise him. I know, I know it's bloody AI and it tells us what we already know, but I thought it may interest some of you. The key bit for me is the last paragraph.


I have reviewed your request and the previous information regarding Igor Thiago's player profile, including his strengths, weaknesses, and recent performance. I have sufficient information to provide a detailed tactical analysis. No new searches are needed.

As a coach, here is the formation and style of play I would implement to get the best out of Igor Thiago, along with the attributes I would want from his fellow forward players.

Formation: 4-2-3-1​

This formation is highly flexible and perfectly suited to maximize Igor Thiago's specific skillset. It provides a strong central presence for him while giving him ample support from wide areas and a creative player operating just behind him.

Style of Play​

My style of play would be a blend of direct attacking and high pressing.

  1. Direct Attacking: The primary goal is to get the ball into dangerous areas quickly. This means using long, vertical passes from the midfield to find Igor Thiago's feet for hold-up play or in-behind the defensive line. We would also be focused on getting balls into the box, both from crosses and cutbacks, to leverage his poacher's instinct and physical presence.
  2. High Pressing: Given his strong work rate, the team's defensive strategy would be to press high up the pitch. Igor Thiago would lead the press, using his physicality to harass center-backs and force turnovers in the opponent's defensive third. This allows us to win the ball back closer to the goal and create more immediate scoring opportunities for him.

Attributes of Supporting Forward Player​


I would surround Igor Thiago with a mobile, creative, and pacey trio that can both score and create opportunities for him.

  • The Two Wingers (Left Winger & Right Winger):
    • Pace: They must be fast and have excellent acceleration to exploit space behind the opposition's full-backs.
    • Dribbling: They need to be confident in one-on-one situations to beat defenders and get into crossing positions.
    • Crossing Ability: Since Thiago excels at finishing from crosses and cutbacks, the wingers must have precise crossing ability with good vision.
    • Threat on Goal: They should be goal-scoring threats themselves to prevent defenders from solely focusing on marking Thiago. A good example would be a winger who can cut inside and shoot, like a classic "inside forward."
  • The Attacking Midfielder (No. 10):
    • Vision & Passing: This player is the creative hub of the team. They need to have exceptional vision and technical ability to play through balls and provide intricate passes that unlock defenses.
    • Off-the-Ball Movement: They must be intelligent in their movement to find pockets of space between the opposition's defense and midfield. This allows them to receive the ball and set up Thiago for a shot.
    • Technical Skill: This player needs to be comfortable on the ball and able to take touches in tight spaces to link up play with Thiago and the wingers.
In this setup, Igor Thiago doesn't have the pressure of being the sole creator. He can focus on what he does best: being a physical presence in the box, a relentless presser, and a natural goal scorer. The players around him would provide the service he needs to thrive.
 

Igor Thiago

Mark H said:
For those interested, I did a "Deep Research" on Gemini on Igor and how best to utilise him. I know, I know it's bloody AI and it tells us what we already know, but I thought it may interest some of you. The key bit for me is the last paragraph.


I have reviewed your request and the previous information regarding Igor Thiago's player profile, including his strengths, weaknesses, and recent performance. I have sufficient information to provide a detailed tactical analysis. No new searches are needed.

As a coach, here is the formation and style of play I would implement to get the best out of Igor Thiago, along with the attributes I would want from his fellow forward players.

Formation: 4-2-3-1​

This formation is highly flexible and perfectly suited to maximize Igor Thiago's specific skillset. It provides a strong central presence for him while giving him ample support from wide areas and a creative player operating just behind him.

Style of Play​

My style of play would be a blend of direct attacking and high pressing.

  1. Direct Attacking: The primary goal is to get the ball into dangerous areas quickly. This means using long, vertical passes from the midfield to find Igor Thiago's feet for hold-up play or in-behind the defensive line. We would also be focused on getting balls into the box, both from crosses and cutbacks, to leverage his poacher's instinct and physical presence.
  2. High Pressing: Given his strong work rate, the team's defensive strategy would be to press high up the pitch. Igor Thiago would lead the press, using his physicality to harass center-backs and force turnovers in the opponent's defensive third. This allows us to win the ball back closer to the goal and create more immediate scoring opportunities for him.

Attributes of Supporting Forward Player​


I would surround Igor Thiago with a mobile, creative, and pacey trio that can both score and create opportunities for him.

  • The Two Wingers (Left Winger & Right Winger):
    • Pace: They must be fast and have excellent acceleration to exploit space behind the opposition's full-backs.
    • Dribbling: They need to be confident in one-on-one situations to beat defenders and get into crossing positions.
    • Crossing Ability: Since Thiago excels at finishing from crosses and cutbacks, the wingers must have precise crossing ability with good vision.
    • Threat on Goal: They should be goal-scoring threats themselves to prevent defenders from solely focusing on marking Thiago. A good example would be a winger who can cut inside and shoot, like a classic "inside forward."
  • The Attacking Midfielder (No. 10):
    • Vision & Passing: This player is the creative hub of the team. They need to have exceptional vision and technical ability to play through balls and provide intricate passes that unlock defenses.
    • Off-the-Ball Movement: They must be intelligent in their movement to find pockets of space between the opposition's defense and midfield. This allows them to receive the ball and set up Thiago for a shot.
    • Technical Skill: This player needs to be comfortable on the ball and able to take touches in tight spaces to link up play with Thiago and the wingers.
In this setup, Igor Thiago doesn't have the pressure of being the sole creator. He can focus on what he does best: being a physical presence in the box, a relentless presser, and a natural goal scorer. The players around him would provide the service he needs to thrive.
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1755630199344.png
 

Igor Thiago

What am I reading in here ??

People need to get a grip and let him adjust to English football and his brand new team mates. He can clearly score, he’s bagged 4 goals in games so far since he joined.

Picking apart a consolation penalty that he sent the keeper the wrong way is extreme reaching. He will win duels when he’s not alone in 20 yards of space with a CDM and 2 CBs all competing for the same ball. Where were the midfield to pick up second balls, that’s my question.
 

Igor Thiago

My opinion, it will take IT several games to get up to speed. A truncated pre season did not help and the team looks undercooked. He was crocked for a year and is now in a team in transition. Like many others have said, the team is not playing to his strengths. He‘s off the mark so we need to back him and the team. KA will be in his ear feeding him buckets of confidence.
 

Igor Thiago

I
JCMcBee said:
.... everyone wants the big lad to do well... he's yet to convince.... that's the reality... but he's cut an isolated figure so far... I'm hoping a fully fit KS and the incoming DO will provide him with the service and supply he needs...fwiw I have a hunch he's a fox in the box type of striker...and not a target man....get in the 6 yard box and stay there Thiago.
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I agree - we need our best wide players starting before we can judge him, remember he would have scored 2 if not for a great block from Williams.

Considering the lack of service it tells me he will score goals this season if we can feed him properly - every striker will struggle if the team is not creating much even the very best.
 

Igor Thiago

Lots of unfair quick judgements here to a player getting up to speed with English football and his teammates, including a long layoff.

Most of the games we saw him in last season was sub appearances here and there.

Facts are that including friendlies, he’s only started 5 games for us (Wimbledon, Gil Vicente, QPR, Borussia, Forest). And he’s scored 4 goals in those.

He can fail the eye test as much as he wants if he keeps up those kinds of numbers!

When we have Dams back feeding this beast, we’ll see he’ll be fine
 

Igor Thiago

Gazza Bee said:
I

I agree - we need our best wide players starting before we can judge him, remember he would have scored 2 if not for a great block from Williams.

Considering the lack of service it tells me he will score goals this season if we can feed him properly - every striker will struggle if the team is not creating much even the very best.
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??
 

Igor Thiago

There was a passage of play where he showed some excellent close control and technical ability on Sunday. Unfortunately it wasn't in their box. It was near the right hand touch line. I was very impressed. Will have to try and see if I can find it again. It was in the first half, probably why it stood out.
 

Igor Thiago

Frothybaby said:
There was a passage of play where he showed some excellent close control and technical ability on Sunday. Unfortunately it wasn't in their box. It was near the right hand touch line. I was very impressed. Will have to try and see if I can find it again. It was in the first half, probably why it stood out.
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If you are looking for it - it was in second half about 4 mins after he scored the penalty . Commentator remarked that his confidence had been ’obviously boosted’
 

Igor Thiago

He’s doing an awful lot of work off the ball in a defensive manner…his attacking play isn’t necessarily coming through yet.

Doesn’t seem to have the same presence as IT (MK I) however I seem to remember him being a real handful in the pre-season we bought him…so maybe just needs to find his feet!
 

Igor Thiago

Much better than last week. Still more he can do and he could have worked harder a few times but this is a tough league that he isn't really used to yet. I don't have any worries about him other than those who don't have any patience and were getting vexxed with him already.
 

Igor Thiago

Simon C said:
Much better than last week. Still more he can do and he could have worked harder a few times but this is a tough league that he isn't really used to yet. I don't have any worries about him other than those who don't have any patience and were getting vexxed with him already.
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Better performance than last week (penalty aside).
Looked more competitive, should have done better with his left footed effort that went wide.
Absolutely he is work in progress, but hopefully he continues to improve game by game.
 

Igor Thiago

Worked his backside off and made himself a handful.

2 games in after being out for pretty much all of last season and against decent opposition and he's showing enough for us to know he can be a real front man. Goals will come
 
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