Liverpool: Klopp says there’s more to come from Thiago, contract extension in sight

Thiago Alcantara, according to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, can go even more despite a tough debut season at Anfield.

Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020 and struggled mightily in his first season with the Reds. He had a positive COVID-19 test and was injured in the Merseyside derby, which sidelined him for much of the season.

However, the midfielder finished the season strongly and has begun the 2021-22 season brightly. Klopp said there’s a lot more to come from Thiago.

“Of course the start was not perfect – he came here, got COVID, got injured early and stuff like this that of course makes everything more difficult. Maybe it’s now a year, but actually it’s only really half a year because of all the things that happened,” Klopp said.

“Coming then into a club in the most difficult period of all our lives – he settled really well despite that. His family is here and loves it here – he’s in the middle of the team. That was very quickly the case.

“He’s a really good character, has a really good personality, and obviously a world-class player, so no, it’s all fine. [There’s] much more [to come from him],” Klopp added.

Liverpool is attempting to extend Naby Keita’s deal.
Despite his inconsistency for Liverpool, Naby Keita might have a bright career in the Premier League.

In order to keep Keita until at least 2023, the Reds are seeking to extend his contract. The Guinean joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2018 and has so far made 80 appearances for the club.

Although he’s been plagued by ailments, Keita has struggled to exhibit his finest form on a consistent basis. Liverpool believe he still has enough left in the tank at the age of 26, despite being in the prime of his career.

Micah Richards believes Salah is crucial to Liverpool’s title hopes.
In Micah Richards’ opinion, Mohamed Salah is irreplaceable and will be crucial to Liverpool’s title bid this season.

“I’m not making a comparison with Lionel Messi but he was doing things that were Messi-like. Without Mo, Liverpool aren’t in the title race this season. Quite simply, he is irreplaceable, the man for the big occasion,” Richards wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

Salah has had a strong start to the season, scoring his 100th Premier League goal in the previous encounter against Leeds United.