Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara isn’t putting in enough effort during his team’s current struggles.
That’s according to TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor. Speaking after Liverpool’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Wolves today, the former England striker suggested that Thiago and Naby Keita were no longer playing for manager Jurgen Klopp.
“I’ve been saying this a lot this season, Jurgen Klopp for me is not motivating these players. Recently I’ve been watching Liverpool and they aren’t playing like a group of players that are playing for the manager,” Agbonlahor said.
“You look today, Keita, Thiago, strolling around. The third goal from Neves, Thiago not even bothering to follow the runner.”
Thiago not covering himself in glory
In fairness to Thiago, there wasn’t a huge amount he could have done to stop Neves scoring Wolves’ third goal today.
The Spaniard was forced into defensive territory thanks to some careless play from Joe Gomez. Wary of Adama Traore’s pace, he was caught in two minds as Neves raced through to score.
But judging off the recent poor run, you do have to question Thiago’s form.
The 31-year-old is often hailed as Liverpool’s best midfielder, and he probably is. That doesn’t excuse him from criticism though, he’s been off it as much as anyone of late.
Throughout his time at Anfield, injury has usually been the only stick to beat him with. Ironically, he now appears to be having the best run of fitness during his two-and-a-half years at the club.
Thiago has started all 10 of Liverpool’s games since the World Cup break. He’s the only one of Liverpool’s midfielders to do so.
Obviously he can’t do it all himself. The chopping and changing of the two players next to him can’t be helping either. But still, you’d expect a lot more from such an experienced and capable player.
Right now, it’s hard to see what the future holds for Thiago. He still has 18 months left on his current deal at Anfield. It has always felt for some reason as though he wouldn’t be signing another one. Should a good offer come in for him this summer, perhaps it may be best if he finds himself as part of the clear out.