Thiago is struggling to adapt to Jurgen Klopp's methods at Liverpool with his counter-pressing becoming an issue.
The Spaniard was one of the club's marquee summer signings having arrived from Bayern Munich.
His much anticipated debut came in a win at Chelsea back in September, but illness and injury has disrupted his season.
Thiago returned over the festive period and has been a regular, but there are concerns within the club that he isn't adapting.
His inability to press in the same way as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho or Georginio Wijnaldum is a concern.
Although a club source insists the circumstances around the player and the club make it difficult.
They told the Athletic : "It is just adaptation. With this guy, it is not a problem of attitude, professionalism or confidence.
"And tell me someone who has performed well for Liverpool in recent months? It is not easy to just walk in and blitz it."
Thiago is yet to score or register an assist this term.
The Reds have had to battle a huge injury list this season which has contributed to their decline in form.
As a result players like Fabinho and Henderson have had to drop in and cover at centre-half.
But different sources say that Thiago felt "exposed" by the lack of a holding midfielder next to him.
Liverpool are hopeful that the Spaniard will follow the example of Ilkay Gundogan, who struggled initially under Klopp and Borussia Dortmund before becoming a key man.
Thiago played a key role in the Reds' win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League this week which points towards an improvement in form.
His performance coincided with Fabinho's return to a midfield return, with the Brazilian's display coming in for high praise.
