Jurgen Klopp opens up on Thiago Alcantara’s early struggles at Liverpool
According to Liverpool Echo (h/t The Mirror), Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up on the struggles faced by Thiago Alcantara last season.
The Spaniard is one of the silkiest midfielders in the game and has proven his worth to the Reds’ cause of late. His ability to control the game’s pace and kickstart attacks has been a game changer for Liverpool.
The same cannot be said of his performances last season where he failed to showcase his best. Injuries did not favour him either as Thiago spent several spells on the sidelines. Klopp addressed it during his pre-match presser ahead of the clash against Villarreal.
“Just when he got here he was injured and Spain had a lot of options. The shape he is in now he’d get in each national team. Like any player, he needs to be in his best shape.”
At 31, Thiago is not getting any younger but appears to be in his prime at this moment in time. With key games to come in the next few weeks, he could be set for a big role in where the Reds end up.
The Spaniard has just two goals and three assists in 33 games this season for the Reds. However, his contributions to the team extend far beyond just goal contributions. The way he ran the show in midfield against the likes of Everton, Manchester City, and Villarreal last month serves as a testament to that fact.
Klopp has also praised the midfielder who has been backed to make it into any team on the field. Given that Liverpool are currently among the best sides, it is hardly a surprise.
“In the shape he is in now, he’d play in each team in the world and for Spain as well.”
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Thiago has experienced much success at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich. It would appear that his time at Liverpool will be no different. He stands the chance to make history with the Reds in just his second season in England.
Chasing a quadruple, LFC fans would hope that the Spaniard steps up this month the way he has been doing all season. He really is one of the world’s finest central midfielders right now and the fact that he is proving his mettle in England after conquering Spain and Germany says a lot about him.
