Thiago has named Roberto Firmino as the best player he played with in his four years at Liverpool, telling Peter Crouch he was “in love” with the Brazilian’s game.
Firmino became many supporters’ favourite player while wearing the No. 9 shirt for Liverpool, with his selfless attitude, work rate and flair separating him from the pack.
That resonated with his team-mates, too, with the striker no doubt winning countless Players’ Player awards behind the scenes.
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One of his biggest admirers was Thiago, who shared the pitch with Firmino on 58 occasions before the latter departed the club for Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Now retired, Thiago made his return to Anfield last month as part of the Liverpool Legends side that drew 2-2 with Dortmund in the latest LFC Foundation charity match.
During his time back on Merseyside the midfielder sat down for an interview with That Peter Crouch Podcast, where he was asked to name the three best players he played with in his career.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 12, 2022: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Bobby Firmino, I was in love with that player,” he said of his choice from Liverpool.
“He puts his talent into the service of the team. And he was so good on the ball, he was quick, he was strong, he was a great goalscorer. I would say him.”
Thiago picked one each from his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, too, with Andres Iniesta and Philipp Lahm his choices.
“For sure the understanding of the game, this kind of mix between tactical and talent, was Andres Iniesta,” Thiago explained.
30.04.2011, Anoeta, San Sebastian, ESP, Primera Division, Real Sociedad vs FC Barcelona, im Bild FC Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara celebrates goal during La Liga match.April 30 ,2011. EXPA Pictures © 2011, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
“His understanding, his natural skills in football. We had Messi, Xabi, Busquets, we had a lot of great players.
“He was playing more or less in my position and you mirror yourself into that player.
“At Bayern Munich, we had Franck Ribery, we had Robben, but I’m going back to my position, to see a player like Philipp Lahm.
“He was very consistent as a full-back, then started to play in the middle and you’d say: ‘Did this guy always play in the middle? He was not a full-back!’.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's Thiago Alcântara during the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Thiago is now assistant manager at Barcelona, having joined Hansi Flick’s staff on a full-time basis in September, with his focus on establishing himself as a coach.
But he could further appearances for Liverpool Legends in the coming years, having made a big impact on his debut outing – including the opening goal.
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