According to a recent print edition of Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Liverpool ‘have a place reserved’ for Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago Alcântara as Jurgen Klopp is eager to bring him to Anfield this summer. The same source has also claimed that the paths between the Merseyside club and the Spanish midfielder are ‘doomed to intertwine’ ahead of the new season. It is believed that all the variables are in place for this transfer to happen with the player also keen on sealing a move away from Germany (via Sport).
Thiago’s Excellent Season In Munich
The 29-year-old has enjoyed another solid season at the Allianz Arena after producing several eye-catching displays at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s midfield. He has made 36 appearances for the Bavarian giants this term, registering three goals and two assists in all competitions.
Even though Thiago has not been as productive as he was in previous seasons, yet he deserves credit for his all-around contributions at the centre of the park. The Spaniard has averaged 2.1 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 0.7 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season. He has also been excellent with his ball-distribution after completing 90.5% of his attempted passes in both league and European football (stats via whoscored).
The 29-year-old has also earned 37 senior caps for the Spanish national team, scoring two goals for his country in the process. Maybe a fresh start away from Munich could help him reinvent himself so that he can maintain his high standards in the coming seasons.
What Will The Italy-Born Playmaker Bring To Merseyside?
Thiago has a wide range of passes in his locker and is an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet. He is proficient at making some driving runs with the ball towards the opposition penalty area and is not afraid to have a pop at goal from long range. His playing style is quite pleasing on the eyes. The Spanish midfielder is also a great tackler, who can read the danger quickly that allows him to pull off a few vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side.
What Should Be Klopp’s Play Here?
Thiago is a serial winner which explains why the new champions of England are interested in recruiting him this summer. He will not only add more flair and dynamism to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield but also enhance the overall depth of his squad. However, one can’t help but wonder whether the Spaniard would be anything other than a luxury signing for the Reds as they have already got plenty of depth in midfield.
Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum have been Klopp’s preferred trio in midfield. However, the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Curtis Jones have proven themselves to be more than capable of challenging for a first-team start at Anfield this season. Therefore, Klopp should weigh up his options before deciding whether to fund a move to bring Thiago to the north-west of England this summer.
