Liverpool have a NEW Thiago ready to break into the first team

Thiago only left Liverpool last season but a young academy kid is ready to follow in his footsteps.

The Spaniard was probably one of the most technical players to have ever played at Anfield.

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He exuded class on the pitch and was able to dictate the rhythm of the game whenever he pulled on the Red shirt.

It was simply a joy to watch him play. The only negative was how rarely Liverpool fans actually had the opportunity to watch him in action.

Thiago spent most of career at Liverpool injured in the club's rehabilitation facilities rather than on the pitch.

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Nonetheless, he still left an enduring legacy and it seems like some of the club's young players were inspired by what they have seen of him in the fleeting moments he did appear in a red shirt.

Joe Upton is Liverpool's new Thiago

One player who has thoroughly stood out at academy level this season is 17-year-old Joe Upton, who the club had landed at a very young age, joining the Reds at the age of six.

A brilliant deep lying midfielder, Upton has caught the eye with the way he sprays passes and dictates the games that he plays.

He hasn't always been able to stand out massively because of how poor Liverpool's U18 side has been but in the rare moments Upton has shown exciting potential.

Just take a look at this highlight reel of his performance against Chelsea. From the first touch to the scanning and technical ability it's hard to deny he doesn't have shades of Thiago about him.

The teenager is still very young but with performances like this he's definitely going to be alerting Arne Slot's attention.

Especially because there is such a void in Slot's squad for this type of player - which is why Richard Hughes wanted to bring in Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

Upton is very much of the same mould. He's dynamic and technically sublime - well suited to the way Slot likes to play.

It's why he must now be on the club's first team radar. At 17 years old, this season may still be too early for him to make an impact at first team level.

But he's definitely ready for a chance when called upon.

With pre-season coming up, one should expect Upton to be involved. Like last year, Slot will want to give an opportunity to some of his academy stars and Upton will be a name on the shortlist of players to include in Liverpool's pre-season tour.

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With such an uncanny resemblance to Thiago's style of play, Upton could be the one to fill the void left by the Spaniard in years to come.

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