Liverpool: Is Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcântara needed at Anfield

Alcântara has been the highlight of Liverpool’s quest to sign a top-class player this transfer window.

There is no disputing how good Thiago Alcântara is. The Spaniard has achieved many things at Bayern Munich, collecting a whopping 14 trophies in all competitions since joining the German side in 2013. That kind of experience would benefit any team, especially a top-six side like Liverpool.

Thiago is a maestro on and off the ball averaging an 89.6% success pass rate in the 2019/2020 season while also having a wide range of passing capabilities. Although the central midfielder has such high stats in terms of passing success rate, he registered zero assists for the German giants last season.

There is a consensus that Alcântara would be the perfect replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum due to the player stalling on a new agreement with the Anfield club. The Spaniard is also being dubbed more creative than the Dutchman.

"Georginio Wijnaldum ‘is still waiting for contract talks to begin’ as the midfielder enters the final 12 months of his current deal at Liverpool.The 29-year-old is keen to extend his stay at Anfield even through he reportedly is seeking assurances he would continue to be a key player. (Via DailyMail)"

Liverpool has seven midfielders, namely, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Wijnaldum and now Curtis Jones, who is on the cusp of being part of the first team.

These are all players who occupy a very similar position to that of Thiago. Should Liverpool acquire the service of the Bayern man, it may just be a waste of transfer and wage fees. The Spaniard is valued at £27m and earns in the region of £210k-per-week

Factors that Liverpool should consider before purchasing Alcântara

The first factor is that Thiago is already 29 years old. He needs time to adapt to the speed of the Premier League, as well as getting familiar with Klopp’s system. This is not to say the Spaniard won’t adapt quickly enough.

It’s that from past experiences players coming into the Premier League needing to get familiar with the city, climate changes, and the language barrier, which all contributes to a player’s match performance.

Secondly, it is believed Thiago is much better than the Reds’ current midfield. Most fans know what a baller Alcântara is but, for the most part, the ex-Barcelona man has not much to show for it.

Over the past seven years playing for the Bavarians, Thiago has registered 17 goals and 20 assists in 150 matches played. Fairly low figures for a player who is considered technically gifted. To top it off Thiago averaged 21.4 matches per season since joining Bayern Munich.

Should Thiago replace Wijnaldum?

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If Wijnaldum leaves the Reds next season and becomes surplus to Klopp’s plans, then yes getting Thiago in would benefit Liverpool significantly.

There is a lack in terms of technical ability which the Spaniard provides in the midfield but nothing to be in awe of. The Dutchman is capable of getting out of tight of spaces while being excellent on and off the ball which could also be said for Thiago.

Although, the Spanish midfielder does excel in terms of his passing ability, achieving 22 key passes in 24 matches last season where Wijnaldum was involved in 18 key passes leading to a goal in 37 matches played.

Wijnaldum has one thing that Thiago perhaps does not have which is an infinite amount of stamina. The Dutch International is rarely injured on which the gaffer can always rely, allowing more game time and being able to play him in multiple positions.

Klopp would have to weigh up his options and take into consideration whether getting Thiago is a want or more of a need. Liverpool needs to offer a new contract to Wijnaldum. The ex-Newcastle man has adapted to Klopp’s style of play and has become indispensable to the team.

If the Reds decide to splash the cash on Thiago, a player who is almost in his 30’s, it would go against how Liverpool does business. There are plenty of cheaper options out there, especially if Thiago is going to be sitting on the bench waiting for a chance to break into the team.