“Thiago One Of The Most Overrated Players In European Football” — Hamann

Legendary Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has launched an attack on Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara labeling him as ‘one of the most overrated players in European football.’

Hamann reckons Liverpool needs a revamp in midfield after they missed out on the Premier League and Champions League this season by the narrowest of margins.

The former German international believes there is a lack of creativity from Liverpool’s trio of midfielders and has been particularly critical of Alcantara who he feels offers little in games the Reds are not controlling.

Hamann also slammed Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson while Naby Keita also came in for criticism.

“In my opinion, the Reds need to modernize the team a bit, especially in midfield,” Hamann told Sky Sport Germany.

“I don’t understand the hype about Thiago. For me he is one of the most overrated players in European football.

“When things are going well and you have a lot of possession he’s a good player, but when push comes to shove you don’t see him.

“If you need someone who sets accents, then he doesn’t do it.

“Keita is also a disappointment, [Jordan] Henderson is a worker. They need a player who can make the difference and give the team that extra something.”

On 27 February 2022, Alcantara won his first piece of silverware with Liverpool in an 11–10 victory on penalties over Chelsea in the 2021–22 EFL Cup final after the game was still 0–0 AET.

Alcantara was due to start the final, but he sustained an injury in the warm-up and was replaced by Naby Keïta. Alcantara did not make a single appearance in the cup run.

On 14 May 2022, he started for Liverpool in the 2022 FA Cup Final, winning over Chelsea in a 6–5 victory on penalties after the game ended 0–0 after extra time.

He scored his penalty, sending it past Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The win gave the former Barcelona and Bayern midfielder his second trophy since joining Liverpool.