“The big one”- Paul Dickov says Liverpool are a different team when this superstar is playing

Paul Dickov says Liverpool look different whenever Thiago Alcantara plays

Speaking to Sky Sports exclusively, former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov said that Liverpool looks a different outfit whenever midfield maestro Thiago Alcantara turns up. Jurgen Klopp’s side this season see themselves held back this season due to multiple injury issues and inconsistent performances.

Liverpool have lost just one game this season with Thiago named in the starting lineup. That goes to show the impact the Spaniard has on the team. He is by far, the most technical player amongst the midfielders in Liverpool, and tends to control the tempo of the game to a great extent.

The midfielder is currently out with an ear infection, and Liverpool lost one of those games too. There is no official update on when he could be back to optimum fitness but one would expect him to return for the Reds’ next game against Leeds United.

Here is what Dickov told Sky Sports about Thiago’s impact on the Reds:

“I’ve named many-a player there, but Thiago is the big one for me. He’s the one that really makes them tick, he’s the creative one in midfield and he’s had a stop-start start to the season as well.”

“So, you put all that together and it’s really difficult for them, but there’s no doubting there’s something special about the Champions League and Liverpool. They always seem to turn up and put in the performances that they need.”

Every time Thiago has turned up for the Reds, he has been outstanding and it is hard to recall a game where has not been on the mark. But extremely frequent injuries have derailed his Liverpool career.

In 79 appearances for the Merseysiders across all competitions, he has three goals and five assists. However, his game is much beyond goal contributions. This latest injury is frustrating as it is not even a football-related injury.

However, we can only hope that he is fit for the weekend’s fixture against Jesse March’s side at Anfield. The Reds are too reliant on him and need him fit for as long as possible to pose a threat. With the duo of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho not in the best form, they could do with some time on the bench, especially the Brazilian.

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Regardless, the Reds would be short-staffed if Thiago does not make it in time as all of Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have recently returned from injury lay-offs and the fixture could prove to be early for them.