Wolves star Ruben Neves has explained why Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is the hardest Premier League opponent he has faced.
The Spanish international had initially struggled to get to grips with life in the Premier League after joining from Bayern Munich in September 2020 in a £25million deal. But the former Barcelona star finished last season strongly, helping Liverpool qualify for this season’s Champions League in the process.
This season Thiago has established himself as an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans as the Reds continue to fight for silverware on multiple fronts. The 30-year-old has made 23 appearances so far this season, scoring twice, and was lauded by fans and pundits for his pass that set up Diogo Jota to score against Arsenal.
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And according to Neves, the Spain international's blend of intelligence and physicality is what makes him stand out from the rest in the Premier League.
"[Alonso and Sergio Busquets] are references for me," he told The Athletic. "It’s an honour to play against them and to have their shirt at home.”
Before the Portugal international continued: "Thiago is one of the hardest. So smart. Quality, physicality, he’s one of the best. I can say N’Golo Kante as well, it’s impossible to take the ball from him and, defensively, he’s a monster. But my first choice would be Thiago.”
