Even though there’s still a long way to go this season, Botafogo are already making a strong case to be the revelation of the year. The ‘Estrela Solitaria’ are leaders of the Brasileirao standings after 12 rounds, seven points clear of Gremio.
While coach Luís Castro deserves credit for this excellent start to the 2023 campaign, it’s safe to say the Fogao wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Tiquinho Soares. The veteran Brazilian striker has been on fire this season, giving his team reasons for optimism in the league.
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Tiquinho Soares, the face of the underdog Botafogo
With 10 goals in just 11 games, the 32-year-old footballer is comfortably leading the Brasileirao goal scoring table. Athletico Paranaense gem Vitor Roque is second on the standings, with six goals to his name. Besides, Tiquinho’s goals proved to be pivotal on most occasions.
His goals in 2023 constantly led to victories, except once: only against Goias (1-2) the striker’s effort wasn’t enough to secure all three points. However, on the other six games in which he found the net, Botafogo won: Sao Paulo (2-1), Flamengo (3-2), Corinthians (3-0), Fortaleza (2-0), Cuiaba (1-0) and Palmeiras (1-0).
🔥 Artilheiro do Brasileirão, Tiquinho Soares mostrou sua inteligência no gol contra o Palmeiras:
♟️ Posicionamento na segunda trave;
🧠 O movimento para pegar o rebote;
💫 Enganar a marcação de Zé Rafael;
🎯 Capacidade de finalizar com a esquerda;@FootureFC e o #OlharTático… pic.twitter.com/CSVb4XkRMB— Brasileirão Assaí (@Brasileirao) June 26, 2023
The former Porto and Olympiacos star has been extremely prolific so far, and his great performances explain why the Rio de Janeiro outfit dares to dream with the league title. There’s still a lot to be played for, but if Tiquinho keeps up with this great level, we can imagine the Fogao challenging for the trophy until the end.
