There is always at least one saga that dominates a transfer window. If it isn’t Jadon Sancho to Manchester United this time around, it is Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool.
The silky play-maker missed his pre-season medical tests with Bayern Munich on Tuesday according to Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool are ‘pushing’ to get him, although the Champions League winners want £27.3 million for his services.
It remains to be seen what happens with the Spain international. You may even argue that Jurgen Klopp doesn’t need him, with Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum currently at Anfield.
However, here is why we think the Reds must snap him up.
Beneficial to Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold
It goes without saying that the full-back duo don’t need too much help at Anfield. Robertson recorded 12 league assists last term, while Alexander-Arnold grabbed 13.
However, Thiago – who aptly wears No.6 – enjoys dropping into a quarterback-type role; a point reinforced by his 2019/20 Bundesliga heat-map.
His ability to operate with so much control in that area would allow Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk to spread wider, providing more cover for the full-backs to go forward.
Marketability
One thing that Liverpool are brilliant at is enhancing their global reputation.
The Premier League champions have a multitude of different nationalities within their ranks. Klopp can choose from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri, Robertson, Keita, Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, and would not find two players of the same nationality.
Admittedly, Liverpool have a Spaniard in Adrian, although he certainly isn’t the global star that Thiago is. Those on the advertising team will be rubbing their hands if the play-maker arrives.
Another string to Klopp’s bow
As previously mentioned, Klopp has many midfield options. However, none are like Thiago. The ex-Borussia Dortmund coach has plenty of hard-working, efficient options who possess good technical skills, but none are able to pull the strings and orchestrate like Thiago.
There is an elegance to the 29-year-old’s game that others in Klopp’s midfield do not possess. While there isn’t much reason for change given Liverpool’s dominance nowadays, having such a unique option would open doors for the Merseysiders to approach some fixtures in a different manner.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
