Rio Ferdinand was surprised by Spain's decision to leave Thiago Alcantara on the bench for their Euro 2020 group game against Poland.
Thiago struggled following his summer move to Liverpool from Bayern Munich but was able to showcase his talent in the Premier League run-in to help his new side finish third in the table.
The 30-year-old was included in Luis Enrique's Spain squad but has started both group games on the bench.
Enrique named an unchanged midfield three of Rodri, Pedri and Koke for the game against Poland in Seville.
Liverpool fans disagreed with the decision to not start Thiago and former Manchester United defender Ferdinand admitted his surprise at his exclusion.
"Yeah, I am (surprised he’s not in the starting XI)," he told BBC.
"But then the emergence of someone like Pedri, who has done fantastically well at Barcelona, he’s a huge talent as well.
"Thiago, at Bayern Munich before last season, he was being touted as one of, if not the best midfielder on the planet at the time.
"I think going to Liverpool has probably messed with his momentum and his rhythm a little bit, but there’s no doubting he’s a huge talent."
Former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas added that Thiago must improve his consistency for Spain to force his way into the team.
He said: "Thiago without a doubt has fantastic quality. He started very young at Barcelona, I played with him for a year.
"I think it's time for Thiago to do something big, in a big tournament.
"He's been at the Euros and at the World Cup but he's not really played that much.
"I think he needs to find that consistency and show the world he has that top, top level."
