Thia-goes to another level

Thiago can send Liverpool to that next level.

After waiting all summer, Kopites can finally rejoice that the double Champions League winner and seasoned Spaniard,Thiago Alcântara has finally landed at Anfield.

Thiago first came to prominence as a wonderfully technical player at Barcelona, with whom he learnt the art of midfield artistry courtesy of the ‘Tiki Taka’ generation. His subsequent move to Bayern Munich came as a relief when one considers that Manchester United had made attempts to sign him.

Thiago is a world class footballer and a proper professional. The most esteemed in the game have vouched for that from Xavi to Rooney and Guardiola to Flick. He will become Liverpool’s quarterback who has “wing mirrors”, according to Rio Ferdinand, following his devastation of Chelsea in the Champions League.

Thiago will add a new dimension to the Premier League Champions’ midfield. He is the conductor who can orchestrate at both ends of the pitch. If Virgil van Dijk is the Rolls Royce in defence, Thiago is the Bentley in midfield.

His close ball control to evade the press, ability to spray passes, pass completion, creativity as well as needing to hold means that provided he stays injury free, Liverpool have a fantastic array of experience and options in a key area of the pitch.

When teams block out our full-backs, we now have a player who will give opponents something to think about from midfield by threading through incisive balls.

A word of advice to Curtis Jones – make sure you have Thiago on speed dial. There are few in world football from whom you can learn and develop both on and off the pitch to cultivate your undoubted talent.

The magnetic Klopp allure consolidated by warm testimonials from Xavi Alonso and Philippe Coutinho made this move.

Thiago Alcântara. Welcome to Anfield our new number 6.

Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.