He’s different to Xabi, they’re not the same type of player.
Xabi was more of a deep lying playmaker, while Thiago even if he’s be a bit of that, was obviously never best when he was the ‘one’, but ordinating more in between, as a proper #8.
Xabi is ultimately a #6 who can play double-pivot and Thiago is ultimately a #8 who can drop and take part/help out in getting ball out from deep areas, but then also go forward a bit more than Xabi.
Xabi is much more of a pass master, while Thiago (who is also a high level passer) is more skilled I’d say. Xabi perhaps more with his range, Thiago more with his ability in tight spaces.
The way he can manipulate with the ball and create an angle, pure joy. Does it with such precision and speed. It’s why I prefer him most in that LCM zone, because his right foot is more open torwards the rest of the pitch, has much more options and lanes rather than our RCM role under Klopp which requires a lot of work between Trent and Salah, you almost play like a right winger at times.
I obviously knew Thiago before in all his clubs, but it’s only really now, watching him week in week out that you get to know him much better, all the details.
My conclusion is that he’s not the “safest” player/passer out there, his skills make him want to take some risks. A lot of reward also.
Also, he actually has some pace, especially over the first few yards. Klopp also spoke about him when he signed for us.
Also, he’s pretty aggressive and even too aggressive sometimes. Last season especially, I’m glad he calmed down and realized that he doesn’t need some of those stupid tackles. When it’s clear from the skies that he was nowhere near the ball, yet he’s shocked at the ref. Play more cleanly and get on with it, please. It was like he was too eager to prove he can handle the PL. Rather be more calm and clean, especially entering his 30’s now.
We really didn’t have enough of the qualities and the level he has in my 22 years following so far. We had some technical midfielders, but of a different style. I’m glad we got him, even if it’s past his absolute peak, but obviously at the time when we got him he was one of the best CM’s out there. Still pretty good.
I think there’s also something for us fans to learn. When you don’t have such players, it’s like we also have to learn how they are, how to watch them, accept that the mistakes are different ones than we are used to. Perhaps more obvious(?) than with some other limited players who apparently don’t seem like ever making a big mistake (when they do, or in a different way, can’t do what Thiago does).
It’s why you get the rubbish John Barnes came out with that he “slows down our game”. You get nowhere if you only have players who run and rush. This is not FIFA. In reality, the ball is always quicker than the player. So yeah, we need him for both; to make our game quicker at times and also slow it down when we need it.
I like him, the little things he does, not only on the ball but off it, he’s so sharp. Seems like someone who thinks all the time, someone also very open to other players.
