Jürgen Klopp’s engine room consists exclusively of tough carers. The 29-year-old is seen more as a creative influence in the middle of the park
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago “does not meet the requirements” that Liverpool have in midfield, warned club legend Steve Nicol and would only be used as a batting or cup player if the Spanish international swaps Bayern for Merseyside.
The Reds have been attributed an interest in the 29-year-old, who will leave Bavaria after seven years of service after telling the club hierarchy that he would like to start a new chapter in his career elsewhere.
Head coach Hansi Flick has hinted that Thiago’s preferred target is the Premier League, while Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted that the German champions would be ready to part with the ex-Barcelona man who broke up in the last year of his contract finds the right offer arrives.
However, Nicol, who won a variety of titles during his time at Anfield, doesn’t think Thiago would be a good fit with Jurgen Klopp’s artisanal engine room, although he added that having him off the bench as an option could be useful.
“I would sign it, don’t get me wrong,” Nicol said when questioned during a discussion on the subject ESPN. “I think he’s a great football player and can pass the ball. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t fit the shape of what Liverpool is doing right in the middle of the park.
“Yes, he has skills, but he also has to have dynamism, he has to have legs, he has to close quickly, he has to have energy. That’s one thing all these players in the middle of the park have for Liverpool.
“That is not Alcantara. But at the same time such a player can play in the FA Cup, the league cup. You can recruit him and give him half an hour to pass the ball if you need to.
“I would sign him, I think he’s a good player. If the money’s right, get him. “
Thiago could have the opportunity to show off his skills to potential applicants on Friday night as Bayern take on Barcelona in Portugal in the Champions League one-legged quarter-final match.
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