Pundit Garth Crooks has aimed a bizarre criticism at Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, insisting he's 'turned jogging into an art form'.
Thiago returned to full fitness before the international break and was in the starting line-up for a Premier League match for the first time in five games, when the Reds took on Brighton over the weekend. It was another lacklustre display from Jurgen Klopp 's side as they came from two goals down to eventually draw 3-3 with the Seagulls.
A number of players have drawn criticism for their performance on Saturday afternoon and Thiago is the latest with Crooks comparing his impact to that of Roberto Firmino. Liverpool 's number nine was one positive against Brighton as he scored twice to get his side back in the game.
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"Liverpool fans keep telling me that Thiago Alcantara (when he's fit) is their main man," Crooks told BBC Sport. "He might be if he could run. The Spaniard has turned jogging into an art form.
"He can't get up the park and doesn't have the finishing instincts of Roberto Firmino. Thiago certainly has his moments but if we are going to compare their contributions and the importance each player provides the team, then Firmino is in a different class."
Thiago has missed five league games this season with a hamstring problem sustained in the opening match of the campaign back in August. When fit, however, there's no denying how important he is to this Liverpool team.
Crooks himself has singled out the midfielder for praise before and claimed he was starting to 'show his class' after an impressive display against Leeds United last season - suggesting he's well aware of the player's qualities. “I haven’t been terribly convinced by Thiago since his arrival from Bayern Munich,” said Crooks to BBC Sport in September last year.
“He came to Anfield with a massive reputation but he has found the Premier League a different proposition to the Bundesliga. However, he has shown signs of his class and controlled the midfield against Leeds at Elland Road. Personally I like the energy and personality of Jordan Henderson as opposed to the cool, calm and composed exterior of Thiago. But there is no doubt about it – the boy can play.”
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