- 17 Apr 2024
Thiago backed to succeed at Liverpool by Xabi Alonso
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 2 min read
Xabi Alonso has hailed Thiago as one of the best midfielders in the world and believes the Spaniard will come good at Liverpool despite a fractured start to his career at Anfield.
Alonso developed into one of the finest deep-lying playmakers in the game while at Anfield, winning the Champions League in 2005.
He would then go on to enjoy huge success at Real Madrid and then Bayern.
It was at Bayern he became a team-mate of Thiago, with the pair winning three Bundesliga titles on the bounce together.
Thiago made the move to Liverpool this summer, but his career in the Premier League is yet to ignite.
An early suspension, a positive coronavirus test, and then an injury against Everton in the Merseyside derby have left him with just two league appearances to his name so far.
With the Reds in the middle of an injury crisis, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to call upon the services of his new playmaker again soon.
And when Thiago is available, Alonso knows it will provide a huge boost to the champions.
“I have loved watching Thiago Alcantara, the way he has been able to connect with the attacking players, helping to defend with his special qualities,” Alonso told UEFA’s official website.
“He’s a great friend, but above that, he’s become one of the best midfielders. And, he’s a fabulous, intelligent, interesting, fun guy to be around in a training session and a dressing room.
“He loves football; he shows that with his personality and with the way he plays. He’s able to connect with his team-mates very easily.
“He’s done it fantastically at Bayern, and I feel that he’s going to do it in the same way at Liverpool, and I love it.”
As of two days ago, Thiago had yet to return to first-team training following the injury against Everton.
Liverpool’s next game sees them host Brighton at Anfield.
