Thiago Alcantara Has Given Liverpool More Problems Than Solutions

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool … [+] in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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There are just some soccer players who look better than others with a ball at their feet. Thiago Alcantara is one of those players. It’s in the way he shapes his body when stroking a pass out wide. It’s in the way he points himself in a different direction with his first touch. It’s even in the way he gestures and points his teammates forward after the ball is gone, like a curling lead does after delivering a stone down the ice.

Considered one of the finest midfielders of his generation, much was expected of Thiago as a Liverpool player. For Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he was an orchestrator. While the Spanish international was something a number 10 at the time of his breakthrough, Thiago has moved deeper into the midfield unit. 

It was in this deeper role that Thiago was a most compelling prospect for Liverpool. Signed from Bayern Munich in the summer window, the 29-year-old gave Jurgen Klopp a different sort of midfielder to fit into his team’s central unit. The idea was that Thiago would give the Premier League PINC champions another dimension and another edge to break down opposition sides that sit deep in a low defensive block.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool walks off the pitch after being … [+] substituted during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 28, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nick Potts – Pool/Getty Images)

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Stylistically and tactically, though, Thiago’s integration has caused some problems. There’s no denying the Spaniard’s natural ability, but Klopp’s Liverpool side are very different from the Bayern Munich outfit Thiago made his own over seven seasons. His performances for his team team have been underwhelming.

A certain level of athleticism and mobility is required to play as a midfielder in Klopp’s Liverpool team. For all the qualities Thiago possesses, this is one area where he lags behind the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Gini Wijnaldum. Thiago frequently slows down Liverpool’s fast and furious play in the centre of the pitch.

For Thiago to truly thrive in his new surroundings, Klopp may need to rebuild his midfield around the Spaniard. And this might require Liverpool to change their whole approach and identity as a soccer team. Given that the Reds’ midfield unit was already one of the most effective in the English and European game, would this really be worth it?

To gain some perspective, it’s worth recalling Klopp’s comments at the time of Thiago’s arrival on Merseyside. “His [Thiago] numbers were absolutely special last year in Germany as well, most steals, ball recoveries and all these kinds of things; most passes,” the Liverpool boss explained. 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: Paul Pogba of Manchester United is challenged by (L – R) Georginio … [+] Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)

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“But we don’t play like Bayern, so that still will need some time to get settled and nobody should expect – and I don’t expect – the special things immediately, first game, let’s see. It’s a long-term project and we have a good team, so we can give time.”

Indeed, Thiago deserves time to find his place in Klopp’s Liverpool team. This season has afforded the Premier League champions scant time on the training field. This, of course, is where a coach does the majority of his work and Klopp has been denied the chance to mould Thiago as he wants. Nor has Thiago had the chance to get used to his new manager’s methods and ideas.

There are, however, questions for both Thiago and Klopp to answer. Injuries have hindered the Spaniard, but more was expected of him as a Liverpool player. The 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday hinted that Thiago will indeed find his place in his new team, but how his Liverpool career unfolds will reveal a lot about what Klopp has planned for the future.