Written by Zack Oaten | @Zackoaten1
In 2000 Russell Crowe starred in Ridley Scott’s Oscar winning epic, Gladiator. The film follows Crowe, nicknamed “The Spaniard” for his looks and Spanish origins as he leads a team of experienced soldiers and mercenaries to freedom from slavery. The skill, strength and relentless effort needed to pull off this feat is almost identical to what Spanish playmaker Thiago puts in each week for Liverpool. The Reds’ very own gladiator.
There is no doubt that Thiago is a gladiator of sorts. He may not decapitate anybody on the pitch physically but psychologically you could say he does. The way he twists opponents and then launches a perfect 30-yard pass, dictates the tempo in midfield and ultimately dominates opposition players must surely make any player feel decapitated as they run around the pitch like a headless chicken, chasing the shadow that is Thiago Alcantara.
When the La Masia graduate man first joined Liverpool in 2020 many felt that he would struggle to get up to the speed and physicality of the Premier League. At first this was true, he didn’t have an instant impact on the team but much like other signings from the Bundesliga such as Naby Keita, he soon came into form. Our number 6 has embedded himself in the team, developing into one the world’s best in his position with only a few being lucky to compare to him.
If Crowe owns the colosseum, then Thiago owns the pitch. If you need control and a sense of calm in midfield, then start the Spaniard. We have witnessed this dominance in his recent performances against Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton in which he was untouchable, irresistible. He was simply perfect in every situation he found himself in, from crunching tackles to darting runs, it is hard not to do a cartoonish grin when he’s on the ball.
To continue this strange Gladiator comparison, I want to compare tactics. Crowe was a high-ranking Roman general in command of multiple Roman legions, he planned each battle tactic with precision and overcame his opponent with ease. Thiago may have only been at the club for 2 years, but he has established himself as essential to Liverpool’s game plan.
The way in which he can unlock a defence and unravels an opposing tactical style is very strategic and it would not be a stretch to say that he is a high ranking general in what is Klopp’s relentless army. It is rare that we are treated with a player who has such a spark, a so called “natural ability” to bring down any ball and wriggle out of any trouble he finds himself in. There is no wonder that so many are helpless when facing him in midfield, his energy is unrelenting.
Thiago has producing some of the best individual performances Anfield has ever seen week in week out, when he is at his best he is an unstoppable force. Without him there is no drive, no force, no power. Thiago is not only the heart of the midfield but the soul of the team when he’s on the pitch.
At the end of Gladiator Crowe reaches Elysium, the Roman soldier equivalent of Valhalla or our heaven and reunited with his family. Thiago has had a long, successful career at clubs across Europe and at international level too. Now he is 31, nearing the end of his career and footballing lifespan. Liverpool is his Elysium; the quadruple is still up for grabs and he may finish his career in perfect fashion – having all the glory before reuniting with his family and spending the rest of his days in serenity.
