If there’s one player who left a number of individuals feeling rather foolish during 2022, it is Thiago Alcantara.
Heavily criticised during his first season at Liverpool, the Spanish midfielder was bizarrely labelled the reason behind the Reds' struggles during the 2020-21 campaign, being told he neither suited the club’s system nor could adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Thiago’s performances last season went some way towards disproving both of the above theories, however, as he effortlessly dictated play on numerous occasions in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
VOTE: Make your decision on Liverpool's Fans' Footballer of the Year
A breathtaking run of displays from March to May saw the 31-year-old demonstrate just why he was brought to Anfield, with his ability to split open defences, and dance past opponents, providing the team with an added edge it had lacked on occasions.
His performance in Liverpool’s 4-0 home victory over Manchester United back in April was unquestionably the pick of the bunch and ended with Thiago, quite rightly, leaving the field of play to applause from all those inside Anfield.
Although Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz can also be considered worthy nominees for the Liverpool Fans' Footballer of the Year 2022, the role played by Thiago in helping Jurgen Klopp’s side compete for the quadruple cannot be understated.
The ex-Bayern Munich man offers an element of flair that no other member of Liverpool’s midfield can provide and has justified his status as one of the world’s best in his position whenever fit and available for selection.
The Reds’ final Premier League fixture before the World Cup break against Southampton served as the latest example of the different dimension Thiago adds to the team, performing his customary body feints throughout proceedings to fool the away side and create time and space to pick out a team-mate.
Liverpool has been home to a number of exceptionally talented players in each department of the pitch over the years, though very few have boasted the same technical ability as Thiago. He has the X-factor.
Supporters should continue to savour each moment he is on the pitch, for this is a player who does not come around all that often.
That's why I am voting for him as Liverpool's Fans' Footballer of the Year.
Do you agree with Tom? Which Liverpool player gets your vote for the Fans' Footballer of the Year award? You can make your choice by filling in the form above or clicking here.
