Harry Kewell has claimed that Thiago Alcantara is a ‘brave’ player for Liverpool who ‘doesn’t play side from side’ but is always looking forward, as he told Premier League Productions.
The former Reds player added that he is a ‘huge fan’ of the 30-year-old midfielder from Spain.
On Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp’s side sent out a signal of intent by thrashing Leeds United 6-0 on home soil.
Thiago started the game and was hooked off just after the hour mark for Jordan Henderson with his team with a comfortable 3-0 lead to their name, at the time.
Nonetheless, this is what Kewell had to say about Thiago and the quality he has in his locker.
“I am a huge fan,” said Kewell. “He is a player. People think they can play in midfield, at the highest level and play from side to side.
“This Thiago doesn’t play side from side. His first thought always is that the ball has to go forward to my attackers.
“He is always looking for, I am not going to call them difficult passes, for him they aren’t. For him, they are simple passes that he is brave and confident enough to play forward.
“That’s what separates him and a lot of other midfielders – he will take that gamble. Play that ball.”
The League Cup final and Wembley is the next stop for these Liverpool players and there is no doubt the Merseyside club are riding a wave.
Thiago started against Leeds and he should keep his place in the XI for the showdown against Chelsea.
Curtis Jones also started in midfield yesterday, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Henderson is brought back into the fold.
Either way, with Thiago now settled down in England, after signing last season, he is started to showcase why he has been one of the most underrated midfielders of the past ten years.
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