Thiago proves Liverpool’s doubters wrong to emerge as Jurgen Klopp’s key player

Thiago joined Liverpool at the start of last season but struggled to impress in his debut season, with his second year at Anfield proving far more successful

Thiago Alcantara, on the other hand, showed an outstanding performance Manchester United on Tuesday to prove his doubters wrong once and for all.

The midfielder arrived Liverpool too much fanfare from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich before the start of last season. but Some experts questioned whether his composed style on the ball reflected the Reds’ rock ‘n’ roll style of play.

However, those doubts were shattered after a week in which Thiago played a key role as Liverpool achieved that FA Cup Final and tough rivals United. He provided an assist as the Reds defeated Manchester City last Saturday at Wembley.

He backed that performance with an outstanding performance against United, completing 96 per cent of his passes, winning 67 per cent of his tackles and completing all of his dribbles. Although his campaign was interrupted by injury, Thiago has now more than shown that he fits perfectly into Liverpool’s system.

This hasn’t escaped the notice of Jürgen Klopp, who has made it clear time and time again that he never had any doubts about the midfielder. The German has now hit back at those who doubted Thiago after his arrival, insisting he proved those critics wrong.

“People have been wondering if he fits our football? Thank goodness these people don’t make decisions when a player calms down a game at moments for many reasons – one of which is just to watch, or whatever – it is of course not what we thought [was wrong]’ said Klopp.

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“It’s more important that Thiago wanted to come to us and knew how we play. He’s a real football person and thinks about football a lot. He knew how we play and he knew he would fit in with us and us knew it too.”

“It’s always about being fit and staying fit and getting used to the little differences from the ex-club, whatever those things are in different teams. Then you can continue from there. Thiago only had one problem, he was injured. It was never a question of whether he would fit in with us.”

Thiago will have a chance to further beat back his doubters on Sunday when Liverpool face off everton in the Merseyside derby. It would be a surprise if the 31-year-old lost his place in the starting line-up considering Klopp’s praise for that fight.

Thiago’s slightly different style has Far from detracting from Liverpool’s lively attack. That has helped the Reds secure their status as Premier League top scorers, a key part of their title challenge.

His experience of winning multiple doubles and trebles Barcelona and Bayern Munich will surely prove invaluable in the final weeks of the season as well. Thiago will certainly play a key role as Liverpool push to extend the Carabao Cup they won earlier this season.