Creativity is a Lost Art at Liverpool FC
Thiago Alcantara remains out of the squad and Klopp’s team suffer his absence
Despite their recent wins against Bournemouth, and Newcastle, the season for Liverpool started with some doubts after accumulating 9 points in the first 6 matches of the Premier League. The main reason is their reduced squad, with important players like Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, or Jordan Henderson out due to injuries. But the player that the team are clearly missing the most is Thiago Alcantara. And this is why rumors about an ‘emergency’ signing of a new midfielder were raising.
Of course, Thiago is not the only midfielder injured, there are Naby Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Jordan Henderson, also Curtis Jones is just returning to training, and Fabio Carvalho got injured after the Merseyside Derby. So, this could be because they're lacking players in that position and doesn't have to do with how important the Spanish player is. But with a healthy Thiago, I doubt there were such rumors or even these bad results.
He is a player who is productive in a lot of areas for his team. Not only in the offensive side where his great ball-carrying ability, passes into the final third, or switches lead to shot-creating actions. But also on the defensive side. Liverpool are a high pressing team, and Thiago plays a vital role when his team is out of possession. According to FbRef, he is in the 90th percentile or more in: tackles won, successful pressures, interceptions, and aerial duels won.
Is clearly visible how Thiago has shaped his game to the needs of the team. And this is why he has become so important for them. But the problem for Liverpool is that they don't get the chance to enjoy him on the pitch too often. Last season he missed 18 out of 63 games due to injuries. And this one hasn't started in a good way either. He only played 51 minutes in the opener match against Fulham after contracting a hamstring injury, which hasn't allowed him to play again with The Reds.
What’s the best way to replace him?
Jurgen Klopp has tried different options to make up for Thiago’s absence. The one who has covered his place most of the matches has been the 36 years-old James Milner. And, despite his undeniable effort, and his good movement behind the defensive lines, he has not the same capacity as Thiago to help improve the team in possession. But, creativity can be granted to the other midfielder Harvey Elliot, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho having a rough start of the season with fitness problems, he has been playing a lot of minutes.
But looking for a solution they find a new problem, and that's when Harvey Elliot is on the right because on that side, there are Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Henderson often occupies that place in the midfield to help cover the space left by the right-back. With Elliot trying to take responsibility in attacking actions, there is overlapping on that side of the pitch, making Liverpool’s attacks more predictable than ever.
But, in their recent wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle, they played with Fabinho, Henderson (on the left), and Elliot, showing some improvement that lead to a harvest of six points. Henderson was the ideal partner for Fabinho. This allowed Harvey Elliot to be free and connect better with the forwards. But, just when it was looking good, the captain contracted a serious hamstring injury after their clash vs Newcastle, with the team awaiting further diagnosis.
In the same way, Roberto Firmino has emerged as a good alternative in the build-up. The Brazilian tends to drop to the midfield and help the team with his vision. His movement confuses the defenders, helping Luis Diaz or any midfielder to appear by surprise. This was noticeable in his goal against Newcastle coming from behind like a midfielder. But also he showed it in their defeat against Manchester United. ‘Bobby’ was the only one doing something different in possession.
Is Arthur Melo the solution?
Jurgen Klopp claimed that a midfielder was needed. So, the arrival of Arthur means that the German coach has what he wanted and can worry less about the injuries. But, there are doubts about the low level of the Brazilian since leaving his country when he played for Gremio. Arthur is not so different from Thiago. Both are good with the ball and Arthur knows how to control the tempo of the game with his passes.
While being effective with his passing, Arthur lacks a little bit of the defensive attitude that Thiago has. He has poor statistics in tackles and interceptions and is not the most energetic player to do middle or high pressing. This is probably the thing that Jurgen Klopp needs to work with him in order for this to be a successful transfer for The Reds.
He definitely fits the profile that Liverpool needed and if he regains his level and gets accustomed to Klopp’s system, he can be the solution that they were looking for.
Was it a good choice to sign Arthur knowing his low level these recent years? Was it better to remain with the current squad or maybe Thiago’s and the midfielder's frequent injury problems required a new addition to the team?
What do you think? Let me know!
Thank you for reading! I will leave other stories below in case you may be interested, feel free to check them out:
