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Jurgen Klopp 'deserves a medal' for bringing 'unbelievable' Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool, says Danny Murphy

Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy says Jurgen Klopp “deserves a medal” for convincing Thiago Alcantara to join the club this summer, and believes the Spaniard can help shake the Reds out of their sloppy start to the campaign.

The 29-year-old arrived at Anfield from Bayern Munich this summer in a deal worth £20million, plus an additional £5m in add-ons.

That price looks a steal for a player who has already won all there is to win at club level with Bayern and before that Barcelona.

“I think Thiago is an unbelievable acquisition because he is one of the only players in Europe who could improve Liverpool’s midfield,” Murphy told the Football Index Podcast. “Even at 29 years old, he will give Liverpool at least three or four years and it was a brilliant bit of business for the fee involved as well.

“I first watched Thiago at Barcelona and the game looked effortless for him. Thiago is a midfielder that can dictate the tempo of a match like Scholes used to, and there aren't many of them about. Thiago has the ability to always have time on the ball because of the movement he does to create space. He very rarely loses the ball when he is pressed because of his awareness.

“Thiago is an absolute steal at that price. Klopp deserves a medal for convincing him because the Liverpool fans are going to adore him.”

Thiago has so far been restricted to just one appearance, a 45-minute cameo in the win at Chelsea last month, as he first looked to get up to speed and was then diagnosed with coronavirus.

In his absence, the Reds were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Arsenal and hammered 7-2 in the Premier League by Aston Villa, but Murphy believes his return, along with several other first-team stars, will see the Klopp’s men back to their best form.

“I think Liverpool are still favourites to win the title,” Murphy added. “Defensively Liverpool have been the best team for two years. Tactically they were all over the place against Aston Villa and a lot is being said about Liverpool now trying to play with a high defensive line, but they still have Henderson, Thiago, Mane and Alisson to come back into the team.

“Jurgen Klopp does not accept performances like the one against Aston Villa. There will be a consequence to the players if they continue to perform like that and he has the strength to freshen it up if needs be.”