Jamie Redknapp has hit back at criticism about Thiago Alcantara's debut season in the Premier League, calling it 'absolute garbage.'
Thiago had just helped Bayern Munich win the Champions League, and complete a the treble, when he moved to Liverpool at the beginning of last season.
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It wasn't a great first campaign in the Premier League for the Spain midfielder though and he was often on the receiving end of criticism, and was even dubbed the 'flop of the season' at one point.
On Sunday, the former Barcelona midfielder proved how good he can be though, in a dominant display during the Reds' 3-0 win over Leeds United, which was sadly overshadowed by the serious injury to Harvey Elliott.
After the match, Sky Sports pundit, and former Liverpool midfielder, Redknapp claimed that anyone criticising the 30-year-old didn't understand his role.
"I've listened to a lot of people talk about Thiago. When Liverpool go on a bad run people go 'he slows the play up and can't handle the intensity'. Absolute garbage.
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"This guy is one of the best technicians you'll see in world football don't matter what kind of pressure you put him under, he's never panicked.
"He relaxes on the ball. There was a lot of times (on Sunday) where he was in good positions to help out the defence.
"He is incredible to watch and it did my head in last year listening to people who don't understand the midfield role. How to keep the ball, what to do, how to be in the right position. how to show quality, how to set people up for chances.
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"It's because people are always looking for a scapegoat. Someone to say it's their fault. he is brilliant and that's why Jurgen Klopp played him today.
"It would have been easy to go with [Naby] Keita or [Jordan] Henderson and try and outrun this Leeds side. He realised you need a brain. You need someone that's gonna show composure, be relaxed on the ball and play to a red shirt. that's' what he does."
Gary Neville joined in the praise for Thiago, comparing the Liverpool player to two Manchester United legends, which might not have gone down too well with fans of the Anfield club.
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"Thiago reminded me of the way Paul Scholes played at Anfield. There would be a frantic spell in the game and all of sudden there would be a small guy in the middle of the pitch who would get his foot on the ball and there would be calm and peace.
"Michael Carrick could do the same and Thiago did the same today. It was an example of what he has been signed to do. When it's frantic and desperate, put your foot on the ball and play the pass that opens the game up. He did that."
Featured Image Credit: PA/Sky SportsTopics: Football, Premier League, Liverpool, Leeds United, Jamie Redknapp, Thiago Alcantara
