Jamie Carragher has claimed that Liverpool now have a player in Thiago Alcantara who can ‘compete with Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne’ on the ball.
The Anfield legend added that Thiago adds something to Liverpool that they haven’t had for ‘the last three to four years’, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/04/22 at 4:10 pm).
Signed from Bayern Munich for £20 million (BBC Sport) during the summer of 2020, Thiago took his time to settle in on Merseyside.
Injuries to the player himself, injuries around him when he arrived and an un-balanced team didn’t help his cause.
But now all of that has changed this season, he has started 13 games alongside Fabinho, dropping only two points during that period, which came against Manchester City on Sunday.
Nonetheless, this is what Carragher had to say about Thiago and his role alongside Fabinho in the middle of the park.
“Thiago’s role with Fabinho, since he has come into the team,” said Carragher. “I think they started 12 games together (before Man City) and won 12 out of 12.
“I think he adds something that Liverpool haven’t had for the last three to four years. That could compete with a Bernardo Silva or Kevin de Bruyne, in actually getting on the ball.”
Jurgen Klopp started Thiago against Manchester City and it was his cross-field ball that played a part in Liverpool scoring their opening goal through Diogo Jota.
On paper, the 31-year-old won’t get recognition for it, but he was outstanding, especially in the second half against the champions.
Out of all the Liverpool midfielders, there is no doubt that Thiago is the one who can move the ball quicker, play more clever passes, break the lines and produce that ‘wow’ moment.
That’s why he has worked so well with Fabinho in midfield, which has also helped elevate his game.
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