Did Endrick's Ligue 1 hat-trick push Igor Thiago further down the Brazil pecking order?

By Alessandro Schiavone

Igor Thiago's dream to be called up for Brazil's World Cup squad has just become a bit harder to realize.

And not only because the uncapped Samba star drew two consecutive blanks against the likes of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

Sixteen goals in 23 Premier League are still the stuff dreams are made of for someone who was still playing in Bulgaria's top-flight a couple of years ago.

But Endrick might have just stolen a march on the Brentford striker after firing in a Ligue 1 hat-trick at Metz yesterday evening. Two poacher's finishes and a penalty helped Lyon to a 5-2 win over the bottom side.

The conspicuous Brazilian loanee, who has not been included in any Brazil team since March last year, is making a strong case for a place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for March's friendlies against France and Croatia.

Four goals and one assist in only three games for his new club across all competitions make for great reading for the man who temporarily left Real Madrid in a bid to revive his Seleçao hopes.

And with other direct rivals such Estevão and Joao Pedro both on target for Chelsea at Crystal Palace yesterday, there's more cause for concern for the man who came from nowhere.

Given his background, circuitous way to the top and the fact he's a bit of an old-school type of striker, it means that Thiago has to try a bit harder than others to force his way into Ancelotti's thinking.

The legendary manager from Reggiolo prefers all-round cente-forwards who can do a bit of everything and play in more than one position. Thiago is a bit more limited from that viewpoint as he can only play as a number 9.

He also hasn't managed a classic frontman like that since since Calvert-Lewin at Everton half-a-decade back. Two seasons ago he managed Joselu at Real Madrid but despite a goal here and there the late bloomer was hardly a starter. Yet Carletto has Filippo Inzaghi to thank for his first two Champions Leagues as a manager back at AC Milan in 2003 and 2007 respectively.

However the fact that Endrick is finally fulfilling his potential away from the Santiago Bernabeu comes at the worst possible time for the ex-Bruges star. As his rivals' rise coincides with his own dip. Hence the goals must flow again sooner rather than later. For him but also for Brentford.