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Graeme Souness says Liverpool have a ‘fabulous’ player in their ranks, he’s a big fan
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has waxed lyrical about Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara amid criticism from some quarters suggesting he’s a “liability”.
The Spanish ace joined Liverpool to much fanfare in September, arriving from Bayern Munich in a £25million deal.
His early days at Anfield didn’t quite go to plan as he made just two appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side before Christmas due to either injury or illness.
Thiago was eased back into action in Liverpool’s last game of 2020, getting 17 minutes off the bench in the goalless draw with Newcastle.
Since then, he has featured regularly, but despite his quality on the ball, believe he upsets the high-intensity style of play championed by Jurgen Klopp.
No such criticism from Souness, who told ahead of the Merseyside derby: “I am personally a fan of Thiago, and it’s only a matter of time before people are raving about him.
“He’s a technician. It’s just about getting the mix right; he doesn’t have the drive of say Wijnaldum or Henderson, but he is a fabulous little player.
“I don’t see him being a liability, I think that’s a bit extreme.
“There’s no doubt about it, he doesn’t have that high energy of pressing the ball, but you’ve got two either side of you who can do that.
“Whatever Liverpool miss out on in that defensive sense, he’ll give you going forward.
“He’s a technician, and I think Liverpool have needed that type of player.
“Whether he starts every week, or you bring him on and keep him fresh by not starting him every week, that might be a thing going forward.
“But I would not use the words liability and Thiago in the same sentence, definitely not.”
TBR View:
Thiago is a player of the highest calibre and a great acquisition for Liverpool – every team needs to have players who can offer something different, otherwise they’d have no plan B if they get sussed out.
The former Bayern man has wowed Reds fans more often than not, and obviously it’s hard to do well when there are so many players missing, and other key players – such as Jordan Henderson – playing in different positions.