Klopp hails “world-class” Thiago who enters his second year at Anfield
The Liverpool midfielder spent a mixed debut season, but Klopp believes there is “much more to come” from the Spanish star.
joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2020. The experienced midfielder struggled for form and fitness for most of his debut season at Anfield, but liverpool boss
Jurgen Klopp
believes the Spaniard will soon reach his best form.
Speaking ahead of his side’s game against Crystal Palace this weekend, Klopp said:
“The start was not perfect. He got Covid, got injured early which of course makes things much more difficult. But he showed what kind of player he will be for us. There is much more to come of course.
“It has been a year, but if you want it is only half a year because of all the things which happened. Coming to a new club, in the most difficult period in all our lives, he settled really well. His family is here, he loves it here, he was in the middle of the team very quickly. He’s a really good character, really good personality and obviously a world-class player. It is all fine!”
When asked about Thiago’s specific tactical role, the German manager compared the Spaniard to a golfer.
“He played more often at Munich in a double-six role, but for us it’s a complex position; you have to be offensive, you have to be defensive, you have to be between the lines, you can drop into the last line to receive the ball, but not always."
the former Borussia Dortmund boss said.
“But he is such a natural footballer it is not like we have to give him 15 or 16 different things to do in the game. I don’t ask him for constant runs beyond the last line. He is a playmaker, obviously, who can sometimes be a little deeper, but he must be there in the two ‘interesting’ lines of the opponent as well.
“He has great vision and can change things with his passing. In a closed area with his passing he is really good, and he can chip balls into each area like a golfer, actually. A good golfer. A world class golfer! He does that without even thinking.”
Thiago featured in 24 league matches for Liverpool last season, providing one assist. The Spaniard spent most of the campaign on the sidelines but managed to regain his form in the later stages of the season.
Klopp added:
“I love the way he plays. It’s a complex position to be the No.8 for us. We have different skill sets and we use different skill sets from time to time when we think a particular skill set makes more sense against a particular opponent.”
After their match against the Eagles, Liverpool will face Norwich City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
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