Despite not having even been Spain’s go-to option from the bench as they struggled through the Euros, Thiago Alcantara could now find himself at an international crossroads – one which Liverpool could well benefit from.
“You dance through the midfield like nobody does, the first time I saw you I knew it was love.”
Liverpool fans didn’t even bother to wait to catch their first glimpse of Alcantara in a Reds shirt before they had penned his memorable terrace chant last summer, as the Spaniard flew over to Merseyside to complete his £25m transfer from Bayern Munich. Yet they have had to remain incredibly patient just to see the best of the Spain international at Anfield.
Unfortunately this was not to be as a vile brew of coronavirus and injury had limited him to just one Reds start heading into 2021, as his return coincided with Liverpool’s uncharacteristic and dramatic title defence collapse.
With a plethora of injuries pounding Jurgen Klopp’s squad as they spiraled down the table, Thiago became collateral damage as he was thrown into the deepest of ends in a failed bid to revitalize their fortunes.
However, as winter finally welcomed the onset of spring and players became available once more, the Reds finally started to see the the real Thiago of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Spain they had been long expecting.
His first goal against Southampton was a delectable highlight, and the playmaker proceeded to offer so much more, commanding in his dictating of play with effortless ease as his earlier frustrated look at being withdrawn early week after week was finally replaced by full domination 90 minutes after 90 minutes.
Then when the final day of the season came as 10,000 Liverpool fans were allowed to pile into Anfield, they were given their real first look at Thiago as Champions League football was secured once again.
And they instantly knew it was sweet, sweet love.
The Spaniard will be a key player for Klopp’s side next year as he looks to build on that impressive start to his first season at the club, while his place in a midfield trio with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho is a truly mouth-watering thought.