Liverpool will hope that Wayne Rooney's assessment of Thiago turns out to be true this term.
The Reds captured the signing of the Spanish midfielder last summer when he made it clear he wanted to leave Bayern Munich.
But prior to his Bavarian departure Rooney made his feelings about Thiago very clear, hailing him as one of the world's best.
His association with Manchester United meant he confessed he didn't want the Champions League winner moving to Anfield, but a £25m deal was agreed.
Thiago began life impressively with a substitute cameo at Chelsea before injuries hampered his rhythm in his debut year.
Despie that Rooney believes the 30-year-old has it all as a central midfielder.
"He almost came to United in 2013 and now Liverpool are linked with him," He wrote previously in The Sunday Times.
"He's one of the best midfielders around – I just hope he doesn't go there!
"He can take the ball, be composed on it, keep things ticking over – and he'll put his foot in. He's an all-round midfielder, really, with a bit of everything.
"He backs up that Bayern press and he drops in between the centre halves to take the ball yet can also join in when they're playing around the other box too.
"He's a great player. It would be great to see him in the Premier League, actually."
Liverpool will now hope that Rooney's assessment of Thiago proves to be true as he gears up for his second season in England.
The midfielder missed their opening win at Norwich but is expected to play a central role going forward.
Gini Wijnaldum's exit leaves a big hole in the Reds midfield and, with no replacement being bought in, Jurgen Klopp will hope the Spaniard can fill the void.
Doubts remain over Naby Keita, who is yet to fulfil his potential at Anfield despite spending three years on Merseyside whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled with injuries.
Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Curtis Jones are other options for Klopp in the middle of the park.
Thiago was subjected to criticism last term as some, including former Red Didi Hamann, felt his characteristics did not necessarily suit Liverpool.
He said: “I can tell you, he's a good player, a skilful player. But there was never a time in Munich where people said, 'oh he's the first on the teamsheet'.
"So I'd be very cautious when it comes to Thiago. And the other thing is, as other people alluded to earlier, he plays a different style of football. He likes to be in possession.
"Liverpool were always good when they weren't in possession, won it and played quickly forward. He's not that type of player, so it will be very interesting when he does play more often now how it's going to change the dynamics of the team.”
