Graeme Souness has rejected claims from Jamie Carragher that Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is a 'liability' when it comes to defending.
The 29-year-old, a marquee summer signing from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, has played just 11 games in the Premier League since Jurgen Klopp splashed out £20million for his services.
Thiago was heavily criticised by former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Carragher during the 3-1 reverse against Leicester City last weekend.
It came as the Reds slipped to their third straight defeat, all-but ending their defence of the title and leaving them locked firmly in a battle to cement a Champions League place for next season.
Taking to social media after the game, Carragher tweeted: "Liverpool outstanding up until 1-1.
"Thiago a liability defensively! The Keeper’s decision making gone awol last 2 games!!"
Despite yet to hit the heights that many expected from Thiago upon his arrival from Bayern, Souness has rebuffed Carragher's 'extreme' assessment and feels there is a solution to his struggles.
He said: "Jamie was a defender. I was a midfield player, I know what it takes to be a good midfield player. I don't see him as being a liability, that's a bit extreme.
"There's no doubt about it - he doesn't have that high energy pressing the ball all the time, but if you've got two either side of him who can do that - whatever he misses he out on on the other side of the game, he will give you on the other side.
"I would not use the word liability and Thiago in the same sentence, definitely not."
