the irony is that he’s not the most mobile but was still our best midfielder last year from a defensive perspective. Interceptions, tackles, ball recoveries. He’s an insane footballer. If we didn’t ask him to do all the donkey work, perhaps he could have stayed fit for longer?
besides, we now have Trent to be the playmaker … I love Thiago. When fit, he’s a remarkable footballer who did make a difference to our team when he played. unfortunately, his lack of availability is a concern and we need to be ruthless.
Didn't really help that in his second or third game, Richarlison attempted to amputate his leg at the knee (or made a "tired tackle and was unlucky to get sent off, according to Ancellotti). I think I heard that initially, the club thought it was worse than Virgil's in the same game and he couldn't train for two months until the swelling went down. Even then, some of the physios said he'd need an op to rule him out for the season, but as we needed CBs so desperately we were backfilling their places with Fab and even hendo, so they rushed him back because our midfield was getting so sparse. Tbh, he never came back from all that, and as said, he was already into his 30s. Never did see him in a 4-3-3 anyway - just hasn't got the speed nor stamina to make that work. Pity, as he has sublime skills.
I'd point to one game in particular where we saw the most cowardly display of midfield play ever. palace 0 liverpool 0. Henderson keita and milner started and side and back passed all day. we could be there still and not score. yes thaigo would have made a difference thst day to get the side actually attacking but if you are not available then the 200k a week is quite expensive. we all need to realise lfc are spending 80mil on a stand to increase revenues by 10mil a season. thsts his wage alone. players who get 200k must actually play.
