Liverpool midfielder Thiago has endured perhaps one of the most difficult first seasons in living memory.
After arriving from Bayern Munich last September on a four-year deal worth £20million (BBC), the Spaniard was widely expected to help further improve the Reds.
The early signs were promising as the cultured midfielder ran the second half against Chelsea before putting in a Man of the Match display in the Merseyside derby.
However, unbeknown to many, Thiago finished the Goodison Park clash with a knee injury that would go on to keep the 30-year-old out for three months.
Combined with arriving in a new country in the middle of a pandemic, no fans in place and major injuries to important players, the trophy laden star has found it difficult to show his true colours since returning from injury.
Now, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has backed the 41-cap ace to shine next term on Sky Sports.
I think we get too obsessed with goals and assists nowadays. Sometimes it’s just about dictating the play, slowing it down and speeding it up. And now he’s finding his rhythm. I think next season he could be bang on the money.
Thiago bagged his first goal for the club on Saturday night as Jurgen Klopp’s side wrapped up a crucial 2-0 victory over Southampton.
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Despite his perceived struggles this season, Thiago has earned a more than respectable average Sofascore rating of 7.11 from 20 Premier League outings.
Ultimately having won a litany of trophies and individual accolades in a glittering career, Liverpool can be optimistic the Spaniard will indeed thrive next term in hopefully more forgiving circumstances.
