Winning four major trophies this season has been said by many – including the Liverpool players themselves – to be nearly impossible. But if he does, the main reason will be the performances of one player over the last few weeks: Thiago Alcantara.
The Spain midfielder appeared just in time for the Reds, replacing players almost weekly. At the same time, Jurgen Klopp’s side searched for success in the Premier League and Champions League to add to their FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
Thiago was sensational in both games against Villarreal after Liverpool reached another European Cup final. Assisting the Reds in the FA Cup on Saturday and being consistently respected in the Premier League. His side pushed Manchester City further up the table.
‘Beautiful player to watch’ – Tiago shines in Liverpool’s development
When Liverpool signed Tiago to Bayern Munich in September 2020. The club was hailed as a great deal for the relatively modest sum of £20m.
He is a player who won the Champions League and many other league titles and trophies at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and is considered one of the best playmakers in the world.
But Tiago had a rocky start at Liverpool as the Covid-19 infection hampered his actions soon after his arrival and injury.
When he is fit enough to play, some question whether he fits into Liverpool’s style of play. For example, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann said in 2021 that he “made their midfield worse” because he slowed things down too much.
It seemed a good comment, but the Reds midfielder has evolved to suit Tiago’s style of play better.
“If you’re asked to go through the middle, who can do it with short passes and quick moves? That’s Tiago,” Spanish football journalist Guillaume Balage told news Radio 5 Live.
“Liverpool is getting better with this new change, and Tiago is helping Liverpool be better because it’s comfortable for them to play this kind of football. Belgian football journalist Christophe Terrier added. He’s perfect in this game when you have a team that falls deep; he’s the one in control.
“When he moved to Liverpool, I thought, what would he do there?” In my eyes, he is Pep’s perfect player, and Pep thinks so too. But Klopp has given his team a bit of pizzazz, so that’s also an evolution.