Xabi Alonso has hailed Thiago Alcantara as a “different talent” after explaining the role he played in convincing him to join Liverpool.
Thiago is now into his third season as a Liverpool player after joining from Bayern Munich in 2020. It took him some time to demonstrate his obvious qualities at Anfield. But there have been some brighter spells of form from the Spaniard.
His start to the current season has been disrupted by injury. However, when he is back, he will have an important role to play in an area of Jurgen Klopp’s lineup that has been under scrutiny recently.
Indeed, former Liverpool midfielder Alonso believes his compatriot has unique qualities.
Thiago and Alonso were once teammates at Bayern Munich, having also shared a pitch on a few occasions for Spain. And the more senior of the pair believes Liverpool’s current number six brings consistency and talent.
Alonso told Liverpool’s official website, when reflecting on their time together at Bayern: “You could see that he’s a different player.
“He’s a different talent because he’s competitive but at the same time he has those magic Brazilian actions that are not that European.
“He’s competitive but he can do different things. He was a great player at Bayern and he continues being consistent and being a great player at Liverpool.”
Alonso conversation convinced Thiago
Alonso also revealed he spoke with Thiago before the latter’s move to Liverpool to persuade him it would be a good choice.
He said: “We talked a lot that summer because he was thinking about the option.
“I said, ‘Thiago, you love football, you’re in a great club, you’re in Bayern and you’ve achieved great things, but Liverpool is pure football and you’re going to enjoy it as much as you have done. If you feel it’s the right moment for a new chapter, you won’t get better places than Liverpool.'”
The jury may still be out on whether Thiago’s time with Liverpool can be classed as a complete success. Under contract until 2024, he still has time to remind everyone what he is capable of.
Alonso, for his part, remains highly thought of at Anfield. A member of the famous squad that won the Champions League in 2005, he earned many admirers across his five seasons with the club before enjoying spells with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
And the 40-year-old still feels a connection with his old Premier League club, as he showed by tempting Thiago to follow in his footsteps there.
Alonso exclaimed: “Well, once a Red, always a Red – it’s not a logo, I think it’s a reality. Not just my case, I think that most of us feel really close to the club.
“Wherever you are in the world, Liverpool fans remember you and they keep you closer to the club. That’s the best thing of Liverpool – all the support and all the family that’s around the world.”
Alonso was speaking ahead of his participation in an upcoming legends match between Liverpool and Manchester United later this month.
