Liverpool players have received criticism but Danny Murphy believes some if it is misguided
Danny Murphy believes there’s an incorrect narrative being bought into when it comes to Thiago.
The 31-year-old arrived at Anfield from Bayern Munich for £20m plus a potential £5m in add-ons last September, but has failed to impress some observers since recovering from illness and injury.
It’s been a difficult spell for the ex-Barcelona midfielder as last season’s champions struggle to recapture their form, with Sunday’s 4-1 defeat against Manchester City their third successive loss at Anfield.
It’s a setback that leaves them 10 points behind City in the title race having played one game more, and there has been much focus on what Thiago does or does not bring to the team.
Murphy, who made 246 appearances for Liverpool, insists the narrative around Thiago is misguided and that the Spaniard is a positive influence on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “I’m struggling to find the argument about Thiago slowing the play down. It’s a narrative that people have jumped on because one or two people mentioned it.
“He passes the ball more forward and more through the lines and more progressively than any other Liverpool midfielder.
“He’s got the capability of opening up defences more than any other Liverpool midfielder.
“Now if Thiago had walked into that Liverpool team that was winning and playing well alongside maybe (Jordan) Henderson and Fabinho, two of the normal three, you wouldn’t have this narrative going on.
“He’s a superb footballer.
“The opinion of him slowing down is because he has this wonderful ability at times to be calm and slow the game down, which is actually a gift.”
Thiago has made a total of 10 appearances in his first season at the club.
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