The Unfulfilled Promise of Thiago: Liverpool’s Midfield Magician

As Anfield prepares to bid an emotional farewell to its managerial icon, another significant departure looms with far less fanfare. Thiago Alcantara, one of the most technically gifted players of the Jurgen Klopp era, will leave Liverpool as a free agent this summer.

End of the Road for Thiago

Thiago’s journey at Liverpool has been a mix of brilliance and frustration. Despite the initial excitement surrounding his arrival from Bayern Munich for £25 million in September 2020, his time at Anfield has been plagued by injuries. The 33-year-old midfielder has managed only a five-minute cameo against Arsenal this season, his only appearance wrecked by a debilitating hip problem. His last start for Liverpool dates back to February 2023 against Wolves.

A Glittering Arrival

The anticipation for Thiago’s arrival was immense. His final game for Bayern Munich was a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. At 29, he was seen as a statement signing, a player at the peak of his powers who could add a new dimension to Liverpool’s midfield. Klopp, the driving force behind the deal, sought to shift the team’s creativity from the flanks to the centre, leveraging Thiago’s ability to dissect defences.

The Injury Curse

Thiago’s honeymoon period at Liverpool was short-lived. After a promising debut off the bench against Chelsea, he contracted Covid-19 and missed the next two league matches. A serious knee injury from a tackle by Richarlison in the Merseyside derby further sidelined him for nearly three months. Upon his return, Liverpool was grappling with a defensive crisis, and Thiago faced criticism for slowing down the team’s play.

Despite these setbacks, he adapted tactically and contributed to Liverpool’s late push for a top-four finish. In the 2021-22 season, Thiago showcased his brilliance, with highlights including a stunning 25-yard strike against Porto in the Champions League and a masterful performance in the 4-0 demolition of Manchester United.

Moments of Brilliance

Even amidst frequent injuries, Thiago’s quality was undeniable. His goal against Porto seemed to defy gravity, and his assist for Sadio Mane against Wolves was exquisite. However, injuries persisted, including a calf problem, another about of Covid-19, and various other issues. His emotional reaction to missing the 2022 Carabao Cup final against Chelsea was a testament to his passion and frustration.

A Season to Forget

This season has been particularly harsh. Persistent hip issues and a misfiring, ageing midfield around him limited his impact. Despite the significant midfield overhaul last summer, including the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, Thiago could not contribute as he hoped.

A Missed Opportunity

Thiago’s tenure at Liverpool raises the question of whether his signing was worth the expense. His availability has steadily declined, with only 98 appearances (71 starts), three goals, and six assists over four seasons. While his contributions in the 2021-22 season were vital, especially if Liverpool had clinched the quadruple, his overall impact was marred by injuries.

Despite these challenges, Thiago remained popular in the dressing room and made significant contributions off the field through the Alcantara Foundation. His commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged children across Merseyside underscores his class and character.

A Legacy of What Could Have Been

Thiago leaves Liverpool with special memories and moments of magic, but his career at Anfield will be remembered as a tale of unfulfilled potential. His technical prowess and elegance provided glimpses of what could have been a transformative influence on Liverpool’s midfield. Instead, his story is one of persistent misfortune, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if his body had allowed him to perform consistently.