Jamie Carragher is unsure of Thiago Alcantara’s role in Liverpool FC’s new formation
Ever since Liverpool adopted a new style of play with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson as inverted full-backs, the Reds have enjoyed a string of results coming their way and are currently on a 10-game unbeaten streak, including only two draws; to Arsenal and Aston Villa.
However, a major missing for Liverpool in this new system has been Thiago Alcantara. The Spaniard, who has been out due to injury since January hasn’t featured for the Reds in this style of play yet, and club legend Jamie Carragher believes Thiago might find it tough fitting into this new system.
Liverpool made adjustments to their midfield and experienced positive outcomes. However, as mentioned, Thiago has been absent from the majority of matches due to a hip injury he suffered in January and eventually stood ruled out of the season. With Trent in the hybrid role, Thiago could actually find it tough to walk into the midfield.
Speaking to The Anfield Wrap this week via liverpool.com discussing Thiago’s role when he returns from injury in the new system, here is what Carra had to say:
“I think Thiago has got a big problem in terms of fitting into this system if it continues,”
“I don’t know where Thiago fits into it because if Trent goes into midfield alongside another player, it is Fabinho.”
“But then Trent goes back to right-back when we are defending and the two number 10s drop back into midfield, so it becomes your normal 4-3-3. Thiago cannot play in those number 10 positions, so without the ball, he has to be the holding player, and I just don’t see that at all.”
What next for Thiago?
Speaking from a totally analytical perspective, Carra is absolutely spot on. Thiago’s characteristics do not align with that of a holding midfielder and is naturally suited to play much more advanced roles, even that of a CAM, with his passing range and on-the-ball abilities.
If Liverpool persists playing this new formation, there leaves very little space to accommodate Thiago; at least in a central midfield position opposed to that of an advanced playmaker. One tweak the Reds could make is playing one number 10 instead of two, with two box-to-box midfielders.
The Spaniard could then fight for a place within the XI with Alexis Mac Allister in that 10 role, that is if the Brighton player joins the Reds over the summer. It is tough to assess a player like Thiago to be fair.
Pretty much world-class every time he steps on a pitch but extremely injury prone. What would the Reds do with that world-classness if the player is not consistently available for selection?
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Thiago is a really good player when he’s healthy and can play. But the problem is, he gets hurt a lot and can’t be on the field as much as we need him to be. It’s not a good idea to make the whole team depend on him because he’s also getting older, and it’s important to have a plan that works for everyone.
