Ruben Neves has hailed Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara as one of the hardest opposition player’s he’s ever had to face.
Speaking to The Athletic as part of their “My game in my words” series, Neves was asked to name the best midfielder he’s played against.
“Alonso and Busquets, who I mentioned earlier, but I will also say one from the Premier League — Thiago,” said Neves.
“When I played against Xabi Alonso (at Bayern), Thiago was there as well… that was a hard game!”
What a classy midfield pairing that must have been . Alonso’s quality needs no introduction to Liverpool fans, Thiago must have learnt so much from his older compatriot.
The two of them playing together in Liverpool red would have been something special. But Thiago will do for us. The 30-year-old made a rare error last night against Arsenal. But he’s still one of the best around.
“Thiago is one of the hardest. So smart. Quality, physicality, he’s one of the best,” continued the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder.
“I can say N’Golo Kante (of Chelsea) as well, it’s impossible to take the ball from him and, defensively, he’s a monster. But my first choice would be Thiago.”
Ours too, Ruben!
Potential teammates
According to transfer insider Alex Crook speaking to TalkSPORT (8mins 35secs), Jurgen Klopp would like Neves to be playing alongside Thiago at Liverpool.
The Athletic claimed last May that Wolves were looking for £35m for Neves in the summer window, a price that was corroborated by Cook.
As it was, the Portuguese midfielder stayed at Wolves where he’s having another good season as Bruno Lage’s side push for a European place.
But it has been suggested that Liverpool retain an interest, ahead of the summer transfer window. It remains to be seen whether the price will have changed after his sparkling form this season.
Time for a change
Neves broke into Porto’s first-team at just 17 and has now been at Molineux for almost five years. He’ll be 26-years-old by the time the next transfer window rolls around.
With respect to Wolves, many would have expected him to be playing regular Champions League football by this stage of his career.
Liverpool are still reportedly looking for a midfielder. From the outside looking-in, it would seem that Neves ticks many of the boxes that The Reds tend to look for in a signing.
He’s a good age, has bags of Premier League experience and wouldn’t break the bank. He’s used to playing in a midfield three for Wolves albeit in a slightly different system and his quality is such that he could potentially slot straight into the side.
Perhaps Neves could soon face his fears of playing against Thiago every day in training. One to keep an eye on.
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