Jurgen Klopp's squad has evolved during his time on Merseyside.
Over the course of the German's tenure, he's upgraded Liverpool's strength in every department using the transfer window and training behind the scenes.
Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold offer considerably more than the full-backs who came before them, and the same can be said for Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah up front.
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Alisson Becker has also added quality between the sticks, and Virgil van Dijk's individual level is high enough to compete with any centre-back who has ever played the game.
However, a more recent upgrade in central midfield has been met with criticism from Paolo Di Canio, the former West Ham United talisman.
Speaking to Sky Italia after Liverpool's tie against Inter Milan recently, he said: “Tonight, they tried to manage by playing with a midfield that underestimated the strength of Inter.
"You can’t play with Curtis Jones, who is a reliable kid, along with two more experienced ones. And Thiago Alcantara, who's not suitable for Klopp’s game.”
The Italian almost suggested that Thiago and Klopp weren't compatible and, to an extent, he's right.
If Thiago was to be associated with any coach, it would likely be Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City boss is obsessed with possession and when signing players, he places a heavy emphasis on technical ability.
Thiago is very much a conductor of sorts within a possession-based team, which is why his profile naturally suits Guardiola and almost conflicts with Klopp's teams of the past.
Historically, Klopp hasn't placed much importance on possession. His teams have traditionally thrived when able to play on the break using counter-attacks and pressing high up the field.
There is a reason Klopp tends to do well against Guardiola. In fact, of all the coaches Guardiola has faced at least six times, his record against Klopp is his worst in terms of points per game.
Upon his appointment at Anfield, Klopp's players continued to play in the same vein. He added speed and intensity to Liverpool's approach, and his midfield department consisted of legs, industry and energy more than anything else.
However, as time has passed, his squad has continued to transform.
Thiago is different to those who came before him - particularly on Merseyside - but that is the whole point.
The Spanish international can do things that others cannot. He is cultured, controlling and incisive from the middle of the park, which cannot be said as much for his team-mates.
"This team deserves a player like Thiago," said Pep Lijnders - Klopp's assistant - after the midfielder signed from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020. He is part of the overall evolution.
As Liverpool have improved under Klopp, they have naturally dominated more of the ball. The Reds are still intense and fast on the field, but they can now dominate proceedings through control, and Thiago is the face of such an approach.
By getting him onboard, Liverpool added yet another string to their bow. He doesn't fit your typical Klopp mould, but he's perfectly suited to helping his team become something more when they are allowed to see most of the ball.
Thiago and Klopp were once very different but now, they are aligned in their desire to dominate matches using the ball from the first whistle.
