After an intense summer full of rumours, many Liverpool fans were relieved when the club finally announced the signing of Thiago Alcantara. The Spanish midfielder is a supremely talented player who most recently won the man of the match award in the Champions League final.
His numbers speak for themselves. Even in his limited time at Anfield, he has impressed, notably on his debut when he completed more passes (75) than the entire Chelsea team as a second-half substitute.
However, he has only had two Premier League appearances so far this season due to injuries. And it’s those injuries that will hold Thiago back at Anfield.
Thiago and his injuries will cause problems for Liverpool
Thiago is injury-prone
Injury troubles have plagued Thiago throughout his entire career.
And, while he may have hoped to leave it in Germany, that trend has continued at Anfield. Although Thiago can’t be blamed for his absences this season as they resulted from a nasty tackle from Everton forward Richarlison and a positive COVID-19 test, fans should get used to seeing him on the sidelines.
According to Transfermarkt, the Spanish international has missed over 100 games in his career due to injury, and suffered more than 25 injuries.
And the news doesn’t get better for Liverpool fans. Two factors seem to spell trouble for the Spanish international.
First, there is his age, as Thiago is close to 30. And, as his body gets older, the risk of injury will grow. Unfortunately for Liverpool, his physical peak is behind him.
Additionally, playing in England poses a threat for injury-prone players due to the fast style of play. Liverpool don’t need to look further than their own experience with Daniel Sturridge. While the Englishman was extremely talented, he was rarely fit while at Anfield. Fans never saw the best of him.
Unfortunately for them, a similar fate awaits with Thiago. The midfielder may be one of the best in the world, but his injury history and age spell problems for the Reds.
While it’s understandable why the club took a risk on him, it seems like they won’t be rewarded.
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