Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise believes that Jurgen Klopp’s side can count on Thiago Alcantara to turn out his best in the centre of the park to propel the Merseysiders’ title-challenge back on track.
Klopp’s men have fallen behind arch-rivals Manchester United in the league table on the back of a three-game winless run for the Anfield giants, coupled with Ole Gunnar Soslaker’s side’s recent outing in a 1-0 win over Burnley extending the Red Devils’ lead at the summit to three points.
Riise says that Liverpool FC’s resurge in top-flight action would heavily rest upon new man Thiago Alcantara’s shoulders, with the Spaniard having been a joy to behold for the Merseyside Reds in midfield in spite of a prolonged hamstring injury curtailing his game-time short since his move to England last summer.
“Goals have dried up in the last few games but I think the return of Thiago Alacantara is going to put an end to that,” Riise said, as quoted by the Express.
“He’s such an important player to this Liverpool side.
“His passes can open up defences and he’ll keep things ticking over in the middle of the park, creating chances for his teammates. He’s the main player the team needs back.
The ex-Red further claimed that Bruno Fernandes’ superlative impact in the Manchester United colours would be matched by Thiago for Jurgen Klopp’s side when the top-flight heavyweights square up against each other on Sunday’s Anfield showdown.
“If he plays on Sunday, he’ll be the one who opens up Man United’s defence. For United Fernandes is going to be their main man on Sunday – and Thiago is the guy for Liverpool.
