In the football world, huge talents sometimes emerge in the most unlikely places - and that is certainly the case when it comes to young Brazilian forward Igor Thiago.

The 22-year-old has attracted plenty of attention this season given his form for Club Brugge and he is currently the deadliest Brazilian marksman in Europe.

With more goals to his name than Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison and Brighton and Hove Albion’s João Pedro, Thiago has been in free-scoring form - the rangy striker already with 26 goals and five assists across all competitions this season for his Belgian club.

Thiago's route to the top has, however, been a difficult and unconventional one.  

Born in Gama, his childhood was littered with obstacles to making it as a footballer: the loss of his father at a very young age meaning he had to work as a builder to help support his mother.

Growing up, in fact, Thiago's brother was the footballer of the family and his first break at Gremio Ocidental only came about because his sibling played for them.

Despite the time he spent in his first club's academy, Thiago seemed unlikely to make the grade until Vere FC, who compete at regional level in Parana, took a chance on him.

Thiago seized the opportunity and subsequently caught the eye of Cruzeiro. After 10 goals in 64 games in all competitions for Cruzeiro, he was sold to Ludogorets in Bulgaria and it was in Europe that his career really started to take off.

The goals flowed more regularly for Thiago in the Bulgarian top flight, the striker notably netting an 11-minute hat-trick for Ludogorets in an 8-1 win over Botev Vratsa in April of last year.

An impressive 21 goals in 55 games was enough to convince Club Brugge of his talents, and he joined the Jupiler Pro League side last summer for €8 million.

The striker's form has ramped up another gear in Belgium - Thiago helping the Belgians finish top of their Europa Conference League group with six goals and an assist in 12 games (including qualifiers).

He has 18 goal involvements in the Jupiler Pro League this term (16G, 2A), including a league-high seven goals from inside the six-yard box.

The 6ft 2in striker has won 35 aerial duels this season, ranking seventh among forward players in the Jupiler Pro League, and has made 23 key passes.

His outstanding attributes, even during his time playing in Brazil, were his power and strength. And Brentford, having announced Thiago as their latest recruit on Wednesday, could make good use of these traits in the Premier League.

Brazilian footballers with similar profiles (Richarlison and Joelinton spring to mind) have done well in England and he looks like a potentially good fit for the Bees.

Most importantly, Thiago has shown a real thirst for goals - his goalscoring instincts coupled with his physicality suggest Brentford have made an astute signing.