Is Thiago the best midfielder at Liverpool? Yes. And he might be the absolute best in the world right now.
Liverpool signed Thiago back in 2020 to a mix of glee and doubt. He was one of the world’s most reputable midfielders, certainly, but didn’t necessarily fit the Reds’ playing style.
Now, in our minds, that was always nonsense. Liverpool signed Thiago for the express purpose of bringing something different to the team. He could dictate the tempo and break down teams that defended deep – exactly what Jurgen Klopp needed.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see that all too often last season as injuries – not just to Thiago – robbed the team of any rhythm. This season, though, we’re seeing the best of the Spaniard. And that ‘best’ might be better than anyone in the world.
Thiago for Liverpool
Make no mistake – Thiago was excellent for Liverpool to end last season. He had us excited for this campaign as his form suggested there was an even higher level to come.
We saw that quite quickly, too. He missed the early stages of the season but clicked in style to end 2021. His performance against Arsenal remains one of our favourites. With that, Thiago showed that doubts over his fit in this side weren’t at all warranted and we had him down as one of Liverpool’s three best players of 2021.
So it’s been a good season, in other words. What we’ve seen in recent weeks, however, is on another level still and Thiago’s displays firmly put him in the conversation as the world’s best midfielder.
He was virtually perfect against Manchester City at Wembley and truly magnificent at Anfield vs Manchester United. Thiago then shone again on Wednesday as Liverpool beat Villarreal in the Champions League.
Those are three enormous games and Thiago ran them. He wasn’t just good, he didn’t just shine but the Spaniard was dominating each and making sure Liverpool had total control.
And that’s why we think he’s got a shout for being the world’s best midfielder right now. Thiago offers everything from tackling to intercepting to possession control to creating chances – the lot. His ‘magic’ passing ability, in the words of Sadio Mané, has been out of this world as Thiago has only misplaced 11 in his last three home games. We’re not sure his rivals for the title, such as Kevin De Bruyne or Luka Modric, are quite in that form.
Now, many can argue that they are and the trio are the standout midfielders right now. All three are massive reasons for their clubs being in the Champions League semi-finals, for instance.
But over this last month, we’re not sure anyone can touch Thiago. He’s too good, too complete, and we wouldn’t swap him for anyone.