EAGER THIAGO

In-form Bees striker relishes challenge of chasing Haaland for golden prize

- BY IAN BAKER

WATCH out Erling Haaland - you have a Golden Boot rival.

Igor Thiago became the first player other than the Manchester City superstar to reach double figures in the Premier League - thanks to Saturday's late double against Burnley.

He now has 11 goals in 13 league matches, including five in the last three, and is fast becoming Brentford's talisman.

Thiago is just three goals behind Haaland in the scoring list.

Maybe the destination of that particular trophy is no longer a foregone conclusion? “Can I beat Haaland to the Golden Boot? It's hard, isn't it?” Thiago, 24, said.

“He plays for the best club in England and one of the best clubs in the world, so it's hard.

“But I look forward to it. It's a challenge, I'm excited for my full season here, so I look forward to it. I have my goal target, but I'm not going to say what it is, we will see at the end.

“I'm happy. I'm blessed and thank God for everything he has given to me.