Due to hip surgery, Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcântara has been out of action for the full season by Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool supporters are aware that Jürgen Klopp has made very few mistakes in his tenure at Anfield and should not question his tactical decisions.
But there were some questions raised when he started the season with Alexis Mac Allister starting at the base of his midfield.
Prior to his summer switch to Brighton, the Argentine had been one of the team’s best playmakers in an advanced role,
but whether by necessity or choice, he began the season as a “makeshift” No. 6. At 1.76m,
Mac Allister lacks the physical presence of players like Declan Rice, Rodri, or the man he would eventually replace in Fabinho.
Additionally, with Liverpool having only kept one clean sheet in its opening eight games,
concerns were raised about the World Cup winner’s defensive prowess.
Could he provide the back four with the necessary protection?
Klopp focused on what he wants from the guy at the base of his midfield, dismissing those proposals out of hand.
Is Macca a natural-born six? he asked, before of November’s tie with Manchester City. No.
Has football evolved in recent years in ways that we never could have predicted?
Indeed. Is it implied that a player such as Macca can perform the six? Without a doubt.
“Do you want a player there who just knocks people down and says, ‘It’s not my job, give me a break,’ when we have possession?”
We have a fantastic passer in the center of the field who is also very intelligent.”
Mac Allister has since proven Klopp correct, turning in one of his best performances while wearing a Liverpool shirt against Bournemouth.
However, the German manager still has a player in his lineup that satisfies all the requirements for a contemporary No. 6.
Few football players in the world can distribute the ball as well as Thiago Alcântara.
He was correctly hailed as Xavi and Xabi Alonso’s possible successor in Spain, and in 2020,
he would provide some poise and serenity to Klopp’s heavy metal football.
After joining from Bayern Munich, he is known for setting a Premier League passing record against Chelsea on his debut.
Since since, he has given Liverpool fans countless masterclasses.
And while Klopp now has a host of different options in midfield, Mac Allister and Thiago appear the most similar in terms of profile.
