Thiago Alcantara is Liverpool's biggest problem in the midfield right now, as the team changes their style to suit him to their own detriment, Tony Cascarino has claimed.

What's the word?

Thiago arrived at Liverpool as a highly-decorated Champions League winner in 2020, and although he has suffered with injury problems, he has oozed class at times in Merseyside.

However, Liverpool's shambolic season has shown no sign of improvement following another heavy defeat, this time to Wolves, and their midfield has come in for criticism this campaign.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Cascarino pinpointed Thiago as a huge issue, despite his obvious technical quality, as the team have seemingly lost their original tactical principles to allow him to thrive.

"My biggest problem is that Thiago is such a good footballer, that you end up playing the way that Thiago wants to play," he stated.

"That in itself is not what Liverpool do. Because he's so pleasing, he's so good on the eye and so gifted technically, you end up playing in a way that you don't want: him being in a position in front of the back four at times. Once you go past him, they're in trouble."

Midfield revamp needed

The Spaniard's stats against Wolves actually don't look too bad on the face of things as he completed 100% of dribbles, 5/6 long balls, three key passes, 88% passing accuracy and 73 touches (Sofascore). However, he did lose the ball 10 times and lost six duels (Sofascore).

Thiago, who is valued at £18 million, in isolation would not be a problem for Liverpool if he had the right players surrounding him. When Fabinho was at his best, he had the engine to cover for the Spaniard, who would then have the freedom to dictate the play.

Liverpool's ageing midfield is a huge issue, and the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are beyond their best. Arguably two new midfielders are necessary, and if the right personnel come in, Thiago could keep a starting spot alongside two athletic additions.

Despite the addition of Cody Gakpo, Liverpool failed to bring in a central midfielder in the January window, and with their current options, Thiago may not be able to thrive like he has done previously.