Georginio Wijnaldum claims Liverpool and Thiago are a ‘perfect match’ and insists he’s ‘really happy’ two-time Champions League winner signed despite competition for places
- Georginio Wijnaldum praised new team-mate’s ‘unbelievable’ confidence
- Thiago’s incredible passing statistics against Chelsea underlined his quality
- The Spaniard could return against Everton having tested positive for Covid-19
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has hailed the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich despite the risk of losing his place to the Spain international.
Thiago, who is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 on September 29, made an impressive debut as a half-time substitute for the Reds against Chelsea last month as his new side won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old incredibly managed to complete more passes in 45 minutes than any Chelsea player over the whole game, just two days after signing for Jurgen Klopp’s men on a four-year contract for an initial fee of just £20million.
Georginio Wijnaldum is relishing the challenge of competing with Thiago Alcantara
Thiago made an impressive start to life in a Liverpool shirt as his new side beat Chelsea 2-0
Thiago joined the club having won the Champions League in his final act as a player for Bundesliga champions Bayern, orchestrating proceedings as Hansi Flick’s side defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in August.
Wijnaldum’s spot in the starting XI is now under threat, but the Dutchman is relishing the competition.
‘Everything impressed me,’ he said of Thiago.
‘I saw him play for years now, I played against him when we played against Bayern, and the awareness he has on the pitch, the confidence he has on the ball and the way he manages to let the team play is unbelievable.
Thiago with the Champions League trophy after his final match as a Bayern Munich player
‘He’s such a quality player that is going to make this team even better than we were before. So, I’m really happy, everyone is really happy, to have him here. He’s also happy to be here.
‘I think it’s a perfect match: Liverpool and Thiago.’
Thiago is in line to return to the side following self-isolation for the Merseyside derby against table-topping Everton at Goodison Park next Saturday.
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