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Liverpool took a big blow on Friday with the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcántara.
The 29-year-old Spanish international is one of the best players in the world at his position and further enhanced his reputation by helping Bayern win a historic treble last season.
“There are many reasons to get excited,” said German soccer journalist Raphael Honigstein. BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues podcast.
“Liverpool fans should consider themselves very lucky because they are casting an absolute superstar who could probably play for any team in the world.
“Thiago is in the shape of his life. The way he played in the Champions League, combining that skill and elegance with retrieving balls. He makes it look effortless.”
That Liverpool have managed to sign Thiago for just £ 20 million (potentially increasing to £ 25 million with add-ons) makes the club’s acquisition even more impressive.
The bookies expect Thiago to make a big impact at Anfield this season, judging by the latest odds.
SkyBet They immediately placed Thiago among their top 10 contenders for the coveted PFA Player of the Year award.
Let’s take a look at all the players priced 33/1 or less to win the individual accolade at the end of the season …
27. N’Golo Kante | Chelsea (33/1)
26. Jamie Vardy | Leicester City (33/1)
25. Hakim Ziyech | Chelsea (33/1)
24. Gabriel Jesus | Manchester City (33/1)
23. Timo Werner | Chelsea (1/25)
22. Naby Keita | Liverpool (1/25)
21. Marcus Rashford | Manchester United (1/25)
20. Jordan Henderson | Liverpool (1/25)
19. James Rodríguez | Everton (1/25)
18. Bernardo Silva | Manchester City (1/25)
17. Roberto Firmino | Liverpool (2/22)
16. Phil Foden | Manchester City (1/22)
15. Kai Havertz | Chelsea (1/22)
14. Sergio Agüero | Manchester City (1/20)
13. Riyad Mahrez | Manchester City (1/20)
12. Paul Pogba | Manchester United (1/20)
11. Harry Kane | Tottenham (1/20)
10. Christian Pulisic | Chelsea (1/20)
9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Arsenal (18/1)
8. Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool (1/16)
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool (1/16)
6. Thiago Alcantara | Liverpool (1/16)
5. Sadio Mane | Liverpool (1/12)
4. Mohamed Salah | Liverpool (1/10)
3. Raheem Sterling | Manchester City (1/9)
2. Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United (1/8)
1. Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City (4/1)
De Bruyne was in brilliant form for City last season, so it’s not surprising to see him named as the bookmaker favorite to win the 2020-21 PFA Player of the Year award.
Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes in second place is a bit more surprising. The Red Devils have only strengthened their squad with the signing of Donny van de Beek this summer and they are not expected to fight for the Premier League title as it stands.
Thiago as the sixth seed, ahead of Aubameyang, Agüero and Kane, shows that most people expect the elegant midfielder to start running at Anfield.
He could make his debut against Chelsea on Sunday, although it seems more likely that Jurgen Klopp will give him his first start against Arsenal on 28 September.
Thiago possesses all the tools to thrive in English football, and Liverpool fans look forward to him playing a leadership role in helping the club successfully retain its Premier League crown this season.
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