Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has claimed that Thiago Alcantara is “one of the most overrated players” in Europe.
The Reds signed Thiago from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020 for an initial fee of £20million - plus £5m of potential add-ons. He has gone on to make 69 appearances for the club and win two major trophies along the way.
In the recent Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, Thiago was a doubt going into the game, but managed to earn a start at the Stade de France. Despite some initial concerns during the war-up, the 31-year-old still managed to play 77 minutes before being withdrawn.
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Hamann has previously been critical of Thiago, when he said last year that the Spain international wasn’t suited to Liverpool’s system. Now the former Reds star has made some more claims about Thiago, this time about the hype around his quality.
“In my opinion, the Reds need to modernise the team a bit, especially in midfield,” wrote Hamann in his column for Sky Sports .
“I don't understand the hype about Thiago. For me he is one of the most overrated players in European football.
“When things are going well and you have a lot of possession he's a good player, but when push comes to shove you don't see him.
“If you need someone who sets accents, then he doesn't do it. Keita is also a disappointment, Henderson is a worker.
“They need a player who can make the difference and give the team that extra something.”