Thiago is about to make his first look for Liverpool at Anfield in Sunday’s title conflict with Man United, and Jurgen Klopp has praised him as “like a brand new signing.”
Thiago is, in fact, by definition a brand new signing, however the Spaniard remains to be new to the Reds having solely performed 5 instances within the 4 months since his £25 million change from Bayern Munich.
Three of these have come within the final three weeks, with the Liverpool’s No. 6 having recovered from a long-term knee damage to stamp his affect on proceedings towards Newcastle, Southampton and Aston Villa.
Whereas outcomes haven’t gone the Reds’ manner within the Premier League of late, Thiago was arguably the standout performer in every of his outings since returning.
And having but to function at Anfield to date, Klopp has regarded forward to his dwelling bow towards United with optimism, hailing the 29-year-old as “like a brand new signing” who can contribute “for a very long time.”
“We are going to see [if he makes his first Anfield start on Sunday],” Klopp instructed reporters.
“A very powerful factor is he’s match, he educated, bam, all good. He had now 90 and 45 minutes within the final two video games.
“So we are going to see if he can play, which place he’ll play, as a result of there are clearly completely different choices.
“Nevertheless it’s actually good to have him round now, as a result of he’s a extremely good man and clearly an distinctive soccer participant.
“So sure, it’s like a brand new signing, clearly. I do know it was simply to place the strain off the state of affairs somewhat bit once I mentioned ‘we should always signal Thiago‘ [before his return from injury], however we did now!
“Now he’s right here, and let’s hope it’s going to keep like this for a protracted, lengthy, lengthy, very long time.”
Describing a participant as “like a brand new signing” has lengthy been a cliche in soccer, however in Thiago‘s case it’s definitely true, as he’s but to be given the platform to precise himself on a long-term foundation.
Sunday will deliver his largest recreation but, towards a aspect he has by no means confronted earlier than in his profession in United, and Klopp will probably be in search of his summer time arrival to make a big effect.
It may very well be that Thiago‘s slick, incisive passing proves key towards Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aspect, who’re more likely to sit again and look to threaten on the counter.
There are not any doubts over Thiago‘s means, and his performances to date, so all eyes will probably be on the Spain worldwide as he heads out onto the Anfield turf for the primary time as a Liverpool participant.
