Ex-Liverpool man Fabinho believes Thiago has still contributed to the success the Reds have enjoyed in the early parts of this season – despite not featuring on the pitch yet.
The Brazilian was at Anfield alongside Bobby Firmino to watch the Reds’ entertaining 4-2 victory over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
The 30-year-old was part of a huge midfield exodus that saw himself, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave the club.
In return, Jurgen Klopp grabbed himself a new-look midfield that boasts the quality of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
What did Fabinho say about Thiago?
Speaking to LFCTV at Anfield, Fabinho believes that Thiago has helped to bed in the new summer arrivals:
“It’s really important for the team that the players who arrived are playing football and integrating into the team.”
“Players like Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Endo are playing well so it’s important because the team lost some important players like Hendo, myself and Gini (Wijnaldum) in the past.”
“They are doing a good job. Unfortunately, Thiago is not playing regularly but I’m sure with his experience, he’s helping these players.”
“He has really good communication.”
“The players who have arrived here have done a very good job.”
The off the pitch attitude and behavior of Thiago is an underrated aspect of Thiago.
He seemed to lead by example and has been spotted translating information to Darwin Nunez when his English was not so good.
We exclusively revealed that the Spaniard trained alone on Christmas Day as he prepares for a return to action.
He is nearing a return and may feature later this month, with Jurgen Klopp saying pre-Newcastle United:
“Thiago is actually in a very good moment; we just have to make sure we don’t use him too early.”