John Barnes sees a problem with Thiago at Liverpool. The Reds legend doesn’t believe the Spaniard is necessarily helping the front three.
John Barnes thinks Thiago played well against Manchester United on Sunday – but didn’t necessarily help.
“Thiago, who was running the game and was the best player in the first-half, I don’t think that necessarily helped the front three,” he told TalkSPORT.
“With Henderson and Fabinho in midfield, they just get the ball forward and are much more direct for the three strong-running strikers to get on the ball and go on attack, Thiago slows the game down.
“When he slowed the game down in tight areas, that is not Mane’s game, that is not Salah’s game.
“So we’re getting used to a new system, but at the moment it’s not working.”
Barnes goes on to say that he still views Liverpool as title favourites, alongside Manchester City, but clearly thinks there’s work to do.
What RTK has to say
Not sure we agree with Barnes here. Well, we’re sure we don’t. Thiago played excellently as the deepest midfielder – a difficult role against a counter-attacking team.
But he kept Liverpool ticking over really well. The Reds dominated the ball and frequently made their way into dangerous positions – largely thanks to Thiago’s passing.
The problem, though, was that the forwards didn’t do anything when they got into those positions. There was no final pass or dribble to create a good chance.
If there had been, we’d be celebrating Thiago’s game as even better. But that’s not his fault.
So we do agree with Barnes on one suggestion – it’ll get better from here. Thiago isn’t the one who has to change, however. The front-three need to improve and recapture their form.
And they have to do it fast.
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