Thiago Alcantara has voiced his admiration for Liverpool heroes Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, highlighting the role the former has played in his career so far.
The Spaniard played with his compatriot in midfield for both Bayern Munich and the national team.
And it’s clear the Reds’ former number 14 made quite the impact on his fellow playmaker.
“I have already played with Xabi Alonso,” told the club when in a special fans’ Q&A. “I can tick it and say I have played with him.
“With Xabi, Xabi is a friend, a team-mate and a teacher for me while we were playing together at Bayern and the national team.
“I like him a lot and respect him as a player, as a person and now as a coach.”
Thiago also shared his admiration for Reds legend Gerrard, revealing he can’t wait to meet the current Rangers boss one day now he’s settled in at Anfield.
“I have massive respect for the story of Steven Gerrard at this club. He changed the club as well,” he said. “I look forward to meeting him.
“Steven Gerrard is a legend. If I had played alongside him, it would have been a way to learn more football."
So who would Thiago choose if he could only partner one of Gerrard or Alonso in his fantasy midfield?
Fortunately for the Spaniard, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool play with three midfielders!
“The midfield is so big, I can pick both,” Thiago laughed. “We can play with three midfielders.
“They were legends here at this club, they were legends in football. They were machines. They were amazing football players.”
