"Pure quality" - Roy Keane praises Liverpool midfielder

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has praised Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

For the majority of this season, the Spaniard has been in terrific form for the Reds. Thiago has been averaging a WhoScored player rating of 6.93 across the 2021-22 campaign.

Therefore, Keane recently waxed lyrical about the 31-year-old.

As quoted by HITC, he told ITV Sport the following: “In the last few months, we have seen his quality and composure.

“We knew he had that, but it was a difficult start to his career at Liverpool, with one or two injuries.

“I think there were question marks over whether he would deal with the physical side of the game. He’s dealt with that.

“He is just pure quality. Getting time and space on the ball. His decision-making. He affects games. Outstanding player.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool signed Thiago from Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of £19.80 million back in the summer of 2020.

As Keane pointed out, the midfielder had an interrupted start to life at Anfield (injuries).

But, it would be fair to state that Thiago has put his early days at Liverpool behind him.

Also, the Spaniard's time at Anfield is far from done. Thiago is contracted until the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

With that being the case, we look forward to watching him in the years to come.

On another note, Liverpool will face Southampton at St Mary's on Tuesday night. The Premier League clash will kick-off at 7:45pm BST.

We would be surprised if Thiago started against Southampton. The midfielder played the entirety of the FA Cup final against Chelsea last weekend (the game went to penalties).

Therefore, we can see Klopp resting Thiago on Tuesday night.