Ian Wright told Premier League Productions that he is waiting for Thiago Alcantara’s career to ‘kick in’ at Liverpool.
The former striker shared that Thiago, who moved to Liverpool for £25 million (Sky Sports) last summer, hasn’t shown that creative side to his game since he was in Bayern colours.
It hasn’t been easy for the Barcelona academy product because he has had to contend with his own injuries and players dropping down in and around him on a weekly basis.
The balance of the side has been off as it is, but it’s affected Thiago’s game even more and that ability to play the game at his own pace.
Wright touched upon Thiago’s time at Liverpool, whilst ex-England playmaker, Glenn Hoddle, also added how Jurgen Klopp needs that Frank Lampard type figure in midfield.
“With the signing of Thiago,” said Wright. “At the moment, you are thinking well when is that going to kick in for him to be that creative force that we saw when he was at Bayern? It doesn’t seem to have kicked in.”
Hoddle added: “That’s the problem as well. If it’s not working (with the front three), you need to have midfield players who can chip in and they haven’t got a Frank Lampard or a Steven Gerrard.
“They haven’t got that sort of player that’s going to get you 12 goals from midfield and win games 1-0, here and there. They have got deeper problems than just the forwards.”
In truth, before Thiago, Liverpool’s midfielders weren’t putting their names up in lights, in terms of goalscoring, so that wasn’t going to change this season.
Thiago needs Fabinho and Jordan Henderson playing alongside on a regular basis, with Virgil Van Dijk bringing that presence behind and then Liverpool fans will start to see the best out of the quick-thinking technician.
But until then, Thiago has to really start getting his motor going because if his indifferent form continues into next season then questions will be asked.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
