West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has named one Liverpool star Thiago amongst the most difficult players he’s had to face during his career so far.
Speaking to Tubes and Ange’s Youtube Channel, when asked about the best he's played against, Rice stated:
“There’s so many. I played against Thiago for Liverpool last season. He’s just so silky. He just plays the game at his own pace. He was proper."
The 23-year-old also spoke extremely highly of former Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele. Rice was impressed with when he faced him against Lyon.
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Many critiqued Thiago when he first arrived at Anfield for potentially not suiting the system played under Jurgen Klopp, and to a certain extent he did struggle in his opening campaign.
But last season he came into his own, becoming one of the most important figureheads in a side which came so close to an unprecedented quadruple.
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Rice isn’t the only person to sign the praises of the ex-Bayern Munich midfielder, with Tony Cascarino calling him ‘one of the best’ that the Premier League had seen.
“Thiago’s an amazing footballer. There’s very few players who are so gifted. I would have him as probably the most gifted player I’ve seen in the Premier League – as in technique – he is extraordinary,” Cascarino said on TalkSport.
“We’ve all seen loads but Thiago is up there with the very best. Ever. Technically, he’s up there with the very best. Technically he has got everything."
"If he plays a lot of football, Liverpool will be close. If he has injuries, then Liverpool will suffer without Thiago in this team.”
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The Reds will be hoping Thiago can stay injury free for the long season ahead and the likely battle with Manchester City for the title, for which he will be crucial.
Topics: Liverpool, Declan Rice, Thiago Alcantara
Chris Stonadge