Pundit ‘wowed’ by Thiago Alcantara after Liverpool injury update
Frank McAvennie has claimed Liverpool have been “missing” the brilliant Thiago Alcantara.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said having Thiago in midfield is a much stronger option for the Reds than James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
Thiago, 31, picked up a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s opening day draw with Fulham (6 August).
The midfielder was given a timeframe of about four to six weeks for a return and is expected to remain sidelined for at least another few weeks.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (30 August), Jurgen Klopp said the Spain international is “not too far away” from his return.
Klopp’s side are also without Naby Keita in the midfield after he picked up an injury in training.
A return date for the 27-year-old is “not 100 per cent clear”.
The Merseyside club picked up their first win of the season with a 9-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday (27 August).
McAvennie claimed the Reds are struggling without Thiago, who he revealed “wowed” him instantly upon his arrival at Liverpool.
“They’re missing Thiago,” he told Football Insider.
“When they signed him I thought ‘wow’. I really liked the player. Then he got injured.
“They’ve got to keep him fit because he’s a talent, he makes them tick. He directs everything for Liverpool, he does everything with pace. Thiago and Firmino are better than Milner and Henderson. That’s what the manager will want. It’s a young game, everything is done with pace.“
In other news, a finance guru has suggested Liverpool are lining up the ‘next big thing’ amid record-breaking reveal.