Hamann Questions Addition Of Thiago To Liverpool Ranks

Thiago joined Liverpool from European champions Bayern Munich at the start of the season but has made just eight appearances in all competitions due to fitness issues and a coronavirus infection.

Thiago’s return to competitive action has coincided with a poor period of form for Liverpool that has seen them win just once in their last six outings across all competitions.

Many have opined that Thiago’s tendency of holding onto the ball slows down Liverpool’s attack, with the Reds failing to score in their last four league games.

Hamann admits Thiago is a brilliant player but could be ill-suited to Jurgen Klopp’s style.

“He hasn’t played much, he has been injured,” Hamann told Stadium Astro of Thiago.

“We have seen some of the best players in Europe take a few weeks or months adapt to the English game. I think we will see a better Thiago.

“Liverpool have always been a team that plays the ball forward quickly. I know teams sit back against them, but that doesn’t mean that slowing the game down helps them.

“Thiago is a player that always wants to be in possession, he gets 120 touches in a game, and when he wants the ball, the defenders and full-backs will be trying to give it to him because they know he is a playmaker.

“The time they lose in giving him the ball is time they lose in giving it to Salah or Mane quickly. Liverpool have always been at their most devastating when the ball has got to Mane and Salah quickly.

“The earlier they get the ball, the more timer they have to turn and run at a defender. Mane and Salah are virtually unstoppable when they are running at defenders at pace.

“The dynamics of the team will change and I’m not sure whether that change will be for the better with him [Thiago] in the team. He’s a brilliant player, there is no doubt about it, but whether he is a player that Liverpool need, I’m not too sure.”