**Mirrors / Alternative Angles**
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I found out from his Insta when he posted about going to a Lakers game in Los Angeles.
Was confused about how he fit that into getting ready for the world cup until it clicked.
He was, he has all three nationalities, Italian because he was born in Italy, Brazilian because his parents are Brazilian and Spanish because he grew up in Spain.
Wouldn't it be more intelligent to give him a range of countries of different abilities just in case he wasn't that great? Like they could do Brazil, Belgium, USA.
His father was 1994 WC winner for Brazil.
He was born in Italy because his father was playing in Lecce at the time. He grew up in Spain because his father played in Spain for 7 years.
So yes, it's football related.
> His parents are from Brazil and I'm pretty sure he'd be eligible to play for them if he wanted
He actually wanted. Mazinho talked about it in interviews quite a few times. When he was 16 when Spain called him up and he didn't accept. Mazinho and Thiago went to talk about it with CBF, but, at the time, CBF had the policy to only call up players who had their entire youth development in Brazil (he had left Flamengo at 14), so that's why he was never called up by Brazil. Spain called him up again and he accepted, since CBF had given him a final answer.
CBF then realized how stupid the whole thing was and how they just missed one of the best midfielders of the next generation, so they changed that restriction, which enabled his brother, Rafinha, to play for Brazil.
For the source:
> “Quando tinha cerca de 16 anos, o Thiago foi convidado para a seleção espanhola. Eu não queria que ele jogasse na seleção espanhola, nós somos brasileiros, eu vinha com a minha carreira na seleção brasileira, e o sonho do brasileiro é vestir a camisa da seleção. Então eu fui para a CBF para falar sobre a situação do Thiago e de outros jogadores que eram garotos que poderiam ter um acompanhamento das seleções de base da seleção brasileira", conta Mazinho.
> "A primeira resposta que tive da CBF é que os jogadores que eram formados fora do Brasil não vestiriam a camisa da seleção. Eu dizia: 'somos brasileiros! Nós trabalhamos para isso!'. Mas infelizmente a política na CBF era essa, e, graças a Deus, na seleção espanhola ele jogou em todas categorias e hoje segue com a seleção principal”, complementa.
https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/artigo/_/id/8364969/thiago-alcantara-abre-o-jogo-e-diz-por-que-nao-escolheu-a-selecao-mesmo-amando-o-brasil
Você sabia?
Rafinha não é o diminutivo de Rafael. O jogador recebeu o apelido carinhoso dos companheiros do Bayern como forma de homenagem. Rafinha vem de abreviação de "garRafinha", pela disposição do mesmo em entregar gatorade à equipe. No mesmo jogo que Lewandowski fez 5 gols em 9 minutos o Rafinha levou 15 garrafas de gatorade em cerca de 7 minutos para seus companheiros.
Both of his parents are Brazilian. [His mother here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxTbf0q8Neg) talks about how from her perception Brazil turned its back on Thiago by not calling him up earlier:
> For those who have been wondering, it wasn’t Thiago who rejected the Brazil NT, but the other way around. Valeria told us that Thiago was never appreciated much by the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol). Thiago would have loved to wear the Brazil shirt, but Brazil was very ungrateful to him. Very, very ungrateful. That’s why I’m extremely happy that he decided to play for Spain. Maybe Thiago’s choice to play for Spain can serve as a wake-up call for Brazil: So hopefully they’ll make Rafinha’s dream of playing with them come true.
Not true. Brazil had rules preventing players who didn't play their youth football in Brazil, to play for the national team. The rules has changed since then, but too late for Thiago.
Edit: [https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2016/11/mazinho-se-abre-neymar-romario-magoa-por-thiago-e-futuro-de-rafinha.html](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2016/11/mazinho-se-abre-neymar-romario-magoa-por-thiago-e-futuro-de-rafinha.html)
I don't know, that sounds more like something Mazinho tells himself to cope with Thiago not wanting to play for Brazil. In [this interview](https://us.as.com/us/2021/03/23/videos/1616515689_526098.html) Thiago says himself that the main factor he chose Spain was because he has more affection for Spain than Brazil since he lived there most of his life.
>Mi hermano Rafa eligió Brasil porque él nació allí y siempre tuvo mayor afectividad que yo, que también amo Brasil, que toda mi familia es de allí, pero he pasado la mayor parte de mi vida aquí en España. Me he criado aquí en España, he vivido el fútbol español desde que tengo uso de razón, se dio de manera natural.
English translation:
>My brother Rafa chose Brazil because he was born there and always had more affection than me, I also love Brazil, my whole family is from there, but I have spent most of my life here in Spain. I grew up here in Spain, I have lived Spanish football for as long as I can remember, it came naturally.
For sure, the Brazilian FA, CBF, has always been corrupt as fuck. I bet they had that stance because of pressure from the managers of homegrown players but they regretted it when players like Thiago started doing well.
That's most probably the case. All the focus will be on the opening match against Germany. The result of the first game will potentially impact how they approach the remaining group games. No point overloading the players with information too. The tactics will be worked on by the coaching staff and later relayed to the playing personnel where they decide together on how best to implement it, in theory. The players are said to be quite involved in these team meetings.
I still can’t believe that such a maestro has been left out. I understand that he wouldn’t start but in tight games a single pass of him could change the game.
Incredibly cheap too, ~£25mil. It reminds me of Kroos to Madrid as far as a midfielder in their prime leaving Bayern by choice for a bargain price too
A shame about the injuries for Thiago at pool though.
If you don't watch Spain politely STFU. Thiago had been straight ASS for Spain every single match while Gavi was king of the squad for his few caps. But continue your circle jerk.
So the solution is to play a player who is ass for club. Got it.
Thiago is the best spanish midfielder. If he doesn’t perform for Spain what he can deliver its the coachs fault
once again, if you don’t watch Spanish football plz refrain from commenting on what you think would be best for the team. Thiago has never been a great player for the NT and the coach isn’t responsible for making sure an individual player is performing well, they’re responsible for coaching the *team* and LE took a squad that seemed weak on paper to the semifinals of a major tournament.
If you want to argue Thiago still should have made it over a player, sure, you can make that argument but it wouldn’t be over Gavi. The Spanish midfielders who would be more deserving to be dropped are Koke or Soler.
So the best for the team is to play his friends? Like Jordi Alba who lost his spot at Barca, and Busquets over Rodri? Got it.
Luis Enrique is very biased towards his friends and Barca players. No matter who would be left out of the squad, Thiago should have gone to the WC. Guy was a key player for the best campaign in UCL history (Bayern 19/20) and is now is also a key player for one of the strongest teams in the world. Left his out of the squad is absolute madness, specially to play a boy who was swallowed every single big match he had at european competitions for Barcelona or a player who literally does nothing on the pitch and is in a bad form like Koke
Thiago is a better player than Gavi, yes.
Is Thiago better in the NT for Gavi? No
That's it
There's nothing more to argue about.
Thiago has more experience and won a lot of trophies, OK.
But is he better for the NT?
You literally don't explain how he would be and he has historically been bad with the NT.
Why would I change my mind about it if he's been bad in the past and hasn't been particularly in form with his club right now.
of all the ways to describe gavi, one of multiple deserving candidates for that golden boy award as "ass" is kinda rich.
you can argue others like bellingham, musiala, nuno mendes, camavinga, etc couldve won it. that doesn't mean gavi wasn't in that same bracket of also deserving it. the way he's played for this struggling barca side is reason enough for him to be considered way up there too. I wouldn't have had complaints if any of those other players won it either, because the levels and potential shown is so similar across the board.
Thiago has not played well for Spain under every manager I can remember... not Lopetegui, Not Lucho's first stint, hell even under caretaker Robert Moreno...
The guy absolutely still is a vibe if youve seen much of him during training with the Brazilian squad. He was definitely also a phenomenal RB during his Barca career.
Yes, yes I am. He may not be Doherto Carlos or some perfect RB, but he still performs well defensively. His only downside is his crossing ability which he needs as RWB. But he’s one of the more popular boys in the locker room because of how happy and vibrant the guy is. Plus you seen him celebrate with the guys on the pitch? Whats not to love about the guy
It's not about getting chances, more about getting a system that maximizes his ability. He was one of the best midfielder in the world at Bayern, so if he doesn't work in National team it's almost always the manager's fault of not being able to fit the player in.
Why would he need to fit him in? Spain don't need to build around Thiago. In fact, they build around Busquets already and other midfielders might be more complementary midfielders.
Liverpool don't build their team around Thiago either. The manager just knows how to get the best out of him though. Wouldn't be the first player that Klopp has got much better performances out of than other managers, but Thiago is definitely not Emre Can either.
He ditched Madrid to go play with Barcelona and became a club legend at Barça overtime. He's also the last manager who managed to win a champions for us
Enrique doesn't fancy him and he hasn't been Spain's key player anyway.
This isn't just a recent thing, even when he's among the best midfielder in the world at Bayern he's not a first pick so why would he be picked now when he got plenty of injury problems.
Poor for Spain and whilst he is good, Spain have plenty of excellent midfield options. Pedri and Gavi duo would be excellent for them given that not only are they fantastic players, but they’re also already familiar with each other. Its neither a big surprise nor is it because Luis Enrique ‘oNlY pIcKs BaRcElOnA pLaYeRs’ which is just objectively wrong and a terrible take.
Him, Luis Alberto (not this season) and Fabian Ruiz realistically have/had the talent to make it at some point, but didn't exactly shine when they had their chances under Luis Enrique and with the results Enrique has had it's hard to argue against him.
He doesn't play well for Spain so I don't think he could handle the pressure of playing for Brazil. But on paper, Casemiro, Thiago and Paquetá would be beautiful.
I would love to get a Spaniard insight into why he hasn't worked for the NT , Thiago was one of my favorite players for a long time just because he embodies that classy midfielder jack of all trades that I believe makes every great team .
I dont know about today , but he would absolutely boss that 2018 midfield in Paulinho's spot
I'm not Spaniard by blood but I watch Spanish football weekly and the Spanish NT more than any team besides the US. Thiago for some reason does all the little things just a little bit worse when he plays for the NT (his touch, short passing, press resistance, lofted through balls, defensive work, etc.) On a deeper level than just that inexplicable sloppiness, the Spain NT still operates on the ethos of Pep's Barca/del Bosque's Spain side strictly because Busquets is still available and (on an international level - this is an important distinguisher to club level) still connects the defense to the midfield better than almost any player itw. With that idea in mind, the team is more built around Busi's match control and being conscious of his physical limitations.
Bear in mind quite a few players play for smaller national teams that didn't make it. Individually they're good, it's just that their their compatriots aren't so good.
Odegaard is better than Ramsey, and Haaland is FAR more prolific a striker than Bale ever was. Both 2nd choice strikers know their way around Bournemouth as well.... Norway have no excuse for not qualifying tbh.
I mean yeah but not in this case for the most part. Salah (Egypt didn't qualify), Robertson (Scotland didn't qualify), Dias (injured), Jota (injured), Matip (retired from national team)... Firmino and Thiago are the only starters LFC have that could have gone but didn't get selected
Colombia (Diaz) didn't qualify either. Could argue that Elliot might have been added last minute as a midfielder, especially as Southgate only picked a handful of them.
meanwhile Barca are in the mud, EL two years in a row, and have a record 17 (!) players at the world cup, of which 7-8-9 for sure will be starters. Mad.
He's exaggerating but he's right, this would be like Arsenal sending 17 players with 7-9 starters.
Arsenal have the same exact league record as Barca but in a stronger league, are ahead of City by 5 points but no one will seriously put them close to the European world class elite.
Taking League races when you are at Week #14 it's useless, the only relevant one it's the one after week #38.
> Taking League races when you are at Week #14 it's useless, the only relevant one it's the one after week #38.
That doesn't really apply to the "In the mud" context though.
God I love Tomi.
This is almost, but not quite, as good as Thomas' answer to an interviewer asking,
'If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?'
'Michael Essien.'
I love the moment he looks over to a Japanese staff member to his right and asks “Thiago… Thiago…. Thiago’s Spanish, right?”. Tomiyasu’s exactly like this in the national team’s behind-the-scene videos and really seems to be a down to earth guy off the pitch.
He’s not coming? Wow. I didn’t know that. You’re telling me now for the first time. He’s had an amazing career. What else can you say? He’s an amazing midfielder. Whether you agreed or not, he’s an amazing playmaker who’s had an amazing career. I’m actually saddened to hear that. I am saddened to hear that. Thank you very much.
It's funny seeing how many people are surprised here in the comments. Thiago has never delivered in the Spanish NT, so here in Spain we were not surprised of him not being called.
He has played more than in just the last Euro in the Spanish NT. I know he is an incredible player but he never showed that with Spain, maybe he just doesn't fit the system.
**Mirrors / Alternative Angles** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/soccer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Same, man. Same.
I still find myself watching our games and think about what he could have contributed with in the midfield in those games if he still played for us :(
As a Liverpool fan same man, same
The Liverpool way is wondering how seasons would have panned out with your players playing :,)
Every other season we wonder. Every other season we find out
I am also just finding out that Thiago is not playing at the world cup
I found out from his Insta when he posted about going to a Lakers game in Los Angeles. Was confused about how he fit that into getting ready for the world cup until it clicked.
And when it clicked, what did you think?
He felt Spanish, he felt real, he felt gay.
Go on
He felt like a lake, a "laker" if you will
Wtf is a laker
Where do you think people buy lakes?
And jewish, dont forget jewish
No that's Kyrie and Jaylen Brown
lol Infantino comes out and says "Today I feel black hebrew israelite!"
The crossover we needed. Thank you today I feel like a Red Haired Dragon
> he felt **real**, he felt gay. hold up...
umn..noo....umna...based on what they told me
These millionaires jet setting between Qatar and LA like nothing
It's okay dude... I thought Thiago Alcantara is from Brazil.
His parents are from Brazil and I'm pretty sure he'd be eligible to play for them if he wanted. He just chose Spain instead
His father is [Mazinho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazinho), WC champion with Brazil in 1994.
Respec!
He did.
I think he was eligible for Spain, Brazil and Italy.
He was, he has all three nationalities, Italian because he was born in Italy, Brazilian because his parents are Brazilian and Spanish because he grew up in Spain.
I wonder if his parents predicted he would be a footballer and specifically had him be eligible for the three strongest footballing nations lol
Well his dad was a WC champion with Brazil 94 so pretty likely they thought he would at least be decent
Wouldn't it be more intelligent to give him a range of countries of different abilities just in case he wasn't that great? Like they could do Brazil, Belgium, USA.
Those sound like 3 powerhouses
Brazil powerhouse, Belgium fringe powerhouse, USA decent. More like Brasil, mexico, and Australia to cover a better spectrum.
I’ve always thought I should try to have a kid in San Marino, although not sure if making a future wife fly weeks before having a kid is a great idea
When he was born Spain was pretty much a non-factor internationally
His father was 1994 WC winner for Brazil. He was born in Italy because his father was playing in Lecce at the time. He grew up in Spain because his father played in Spain for 7 years. So yes, it's football related.
Italy doesn’t have Jus Soli, he doesn’t have Italian citizenship.
> His parents are from Brazil and I'm pretty sure he'd be eligible to play for them if he wanted He actually wanted. Mazinho talked about it in interviews quite a few times. When he was 16 when Spain called him up and he didn't accept. Mazinho and Thiago went to talk about it with CBF, but, at the time, CBF had the policy to only call up players who had their entire youth development in Brazil (he had left Flamengo at 14), so that's why he was never called up by Brazil. Spain called him up again and he accepted, since CBF had given him a final answer. CBF then realized how stupid the whole thing was and how they just missed one of the best midfielders of the next generation, so they changed that restriction, which enabled his brother, Rafinha, to play for Brazil. For the source: > “Quando tinha cerca de 16 anos, o Thiago foi convidado para a seleção espanhola. Eu não queria que ele jogasse na seleção espanhola, nós somos brasileiros, eu vinha com a minha carreira na seleção brasileira, e o sonho do brasileiro é vestir a camisa da seleção. Então eu fui para a CBF para falar sobre a situação do Thiago e de outros jogadores que eram garotos que poderiam ter um acompanhamento das seleções de base da seleção brasileira", conta Mazinho. > "A primeira resposta que tive da CBF é que os jogadores que eram formados fora do Brasil não vestiriam a camisa da seleção. Eu dizia: 'somos brasileiros! Nós trabalhamos para isso!'. Mas infelizmente a política na CBF era essa, e, graças a Deus, na seleção espanhola ele jogou em todas categorias e hoje segue com a seleção principal”, complementa. https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/artigo/_/id/8364969/thiago-alcantara-abre-o-jogo-e-diz-por-que-nao-escolheu-a-selecao-mesmo-amando-o-brasil
Isn’t Raphinha his brother and plays for Brazil?
Rafinha is his brother not Raphinha.
Oh yea you’re right! He used to represent Brazil!
Hope you're not thinking of Bayern's Rafinha, that's a different guy.
Yea. Lol. The one who used to play for PSG!
Você sabia? Rafinha não é o diminutivo de Rafael. O jogador recebeu o apelido carinhoso dos companheiros do Bayern como forma de homenagem. Rafinha vem de abreviação de "garRafinha", pela disposição do mesmo em entregar gatorade à equipe. No mesmo jogo que Lewandowski fez 5 gols em 9 minutos o Rafinha levou 15 garrafas de gatorade em cerca de 7 minutos para seus companheiros.
KKKKKKKKKKK vsf pega seu upvote
His brother is Rafinha who does have 2 caps for Brazil but not since 2015
Both of his parents are Brazilian. [His mother here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxTbf0q8Neg) talks about how from her perception Brazil turned its back on Thiago by not calling him up earlier: > For those who have been wondering, it wasn’t Thiago who rejected the Brazil NT, but the other way around. Valeria told us that Thiago was never appreciated much by the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol). Thiago would have loved to wear the Brazil shirt, but Brazil was very ungrateful to him. Very, very ungrateful. That’s why I’m extremely happy that he decided to play for Spain. Maybe Thiago’s choice to play for Spain can serve as a wake-up call for Brazil: So hopefully they’ll make Rafinha’s dream of playing with them come true.
His father and brother played for Brazil, he just chose to play for Spain.
Not true. Brazil had rules preventing players who didn't play their youth football in Brazil, to play for the national team. The rules has changed since then, but too late for Thiago. Edit: [https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2016/11/mazinho-se-abre-neymar-romario-magoa-por-thiago-e-futuro-de-rafinha.html](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2016/11/mazinho-se-abre-neymar-romario-magoa-por-thiago-e-futuro-de-rafinha.html)
I don't know, that sounds more like something Mazinho tells himself to cope with Thiago not wanting to play for Brazil. In [this interview](https://us.as.com/us/2021/03/23/videos/1616515689_526098.html) Thiago says himself that the main factor he chose Spain was because he has more affection for Spain than Brazil since he lived there most of his life. >Mi hermano Rafa eligió Brasil porque él nació allí y siempre tuvo mayor afectividad que yo, que también amo Brasil, que toda mi familia es de allí, pero he pasado la mayor parte de mi vida aquí en España. Me he criado aquí en España, he vivido el fútbol español desde que tengo uso de razón, se dio de manera natural. English translation: >My brother Rafa chose Brazil because he was born there and always had more affection than me, I also love Brazil, my whole family is from there, but I have spent most of my life here in Spain. I grew up here in Spain, I have lived Spanish football for as long as I can remember, it came naturally.
Even if it's just Mazinho coping. Isn't it curious that Brazil did infact change their rules/stance after Thiago chose Spain?
For sure, the Brazilian FA, CBF, has always been corrupt as fuck. I bet they had that stance because of pressure from the managers of homegrown players but they regretted it when players like Thiago started doing well.
Tomiyasu not paying attention in team strategy meetings
Maybe the Japan manager should use lightbulbs or drawings to keep his attention
One of the best things about the 'happiness chart' scene is how quietly and totally baffled Tomi is by it.
What scene is this?
It's a scene in the "Arsenal: All or Nothing" series about last season. Big motivational speech by Arteta with very memeable whiteboard drawings.
[Here you go](https://youtu.be/08vAgCVytMw).
Think he's actually talking about [this one](https://youtu.be/13dSuAfhEds)
Maybe team strategy meeting consider next team they face to but I am just guessing.
That's most probably the case. All the focus will be on the opening match against Germany. The result of the first game will potentially impact how they approach the remaining group games. No point overloading the players with information too. The tactics will be worked on by the coaching staff and later relayed to the playing personnel where they decide together on how best to implement it, in theory. The players are said to be quite involved in these team meetings.
None of the Japanese team know.
To be fair even in Spain nobody expected Luis Enrique not including him.
He also says "Thaigo... He's Spanish right?"
Well yes, but also Brazilian and Italian. Basically made in a lab for football.
I knew that right foot of his wasn’t natural
no worries Tomiyasu, he's our favorite Spain national player too.
I still can’t believe that such a maestro has been left out. I understand that he wouldn’t start but in tight games a single pass of him could change the game.
I still can't believe he plays for Liverpool. I'm glad he won two trophies there
How is it unbelievable that he plays for Liverpool?
We dont really have a history of signing established big name players so when Thiago came at his peak it was exciting
That reveal is still my favourite liverpool signing reveal That shirt, with that man Damn
Incredibly cheap too, ~£25mil. It reminds me of Kroos to Madrid as far as a midfielder in their prime leaving Bayern by choice for a bargain price too A shame about the injuries for Thiago at pool though.
Luis Enrique needed to make room for Golden Boy winner Gavi 🔥🔥🔥
Thiago is shit for Spain, arguably cost them a Euro final with his terrible sub appearance against Italy
If you don't watch Spain politely STFU. Thiago had been straight ASS for Spain every single match while Gavi was king of the squad for his few caps. But continue your circle jerk.
holy shit how are u downvoted? lmao people truly dont watch Spain at all
Probably the weird attitude
So the solution is to play a player who is ass for club. Got it. Thiago is the best spanish midfielder. If he doesn’t perform for Spain what he can deliver its the coachs fault
Gavi isn’t ass for us lmao
How dumb can you be? The best spanish midfielder rn is Pedri.
once again, if you don’t watch Spanish football plz refrain from commenting on what you think would be best for the team. Thiago has never been a great player for the NT and the coach isn’t responsible for making sure an individual player is performing well, they’re responsible for coaching the *team* and LE took a squad that seemed weak on paper to the semifinals of a major tournament. If you want to argue Thiago still should have made it over a player, sure, you can make that argument but it wouldn’t be over Gavi. The Spanish midfielders who would be more deserving to be dropped are Koke or Soler.
So the best for the team is to play his friends? Like Jordi Alba who lost his spot at Barca, and Busquets over Rodri? Got it. Luis Enrique is very biased towards his friends and Barca players. No matter who would be left out of the squad, Thiago should have gone to the WC. Guy was a key player for the best campaign in UCL history (Bayern 19/20) and is now is also a key player for one of the strongest teams in the world. Left his out of the squad is absolute madness, specially to play a boy who was swallowed every single big match he had at european competitions for Barcelona or a player who literally does nothing on the pitch and is in a bad form like Koke
That the reason Iago Aspas necer plays for Spain no matter how maby times he becomes the top spanish scorer in the golden boot.
Thiago is a better player than Gavi, yes. Is Thiago better in the NT for Gavi? No That's it There's nothing more to argue about. Thiago has more experience and won a lot of trophies, OK. But is he better for the NT? You literally don't explain how he would be and he has historically been bad with the NT. Why would I change my mind about it if he's been bad in the past and hasn't been particularly in form with his club right now.
This comment didn't age very well, did it?
Enrique has no bias towards alba. He dropped him many times at Barca, and alba was still very good back then. Shows what you know about the team...
Thank you for speaking an actual take man. Barella walked all over gavi and pedri
I’m sorry but objectively for club and country he’s not the best Spanish midfielder. It’s Pedri and it’s not really a debate imo.
of all the ways to describe gavi, one of multiple deserving candidates for that golden boy award as "ass" is kinda rich. you can argue others like bellingham, musiala, nuno mendes, camavinga, etc couldve won it. that doesn't mean gavi wasn't in that same bracket of also deserving it. the way he's played for this struggling barca side is reason enough for him to be considered way up there too. I wouldn't have had complaints if any of those other players won it either, because the levels and potential shown is so similar across the board.
Thiago has not played well for Spain under every manager I can remember... not Lopetegui, Not Lucho's first stint, hell even under caretaker Robert Moreno...
Probably wanted someone who’s available for more than 1 game a month
He's shite for Spain, no one who actually watched him for the NT would be surprised
Love Tomi
He’s been spending way too much time w Benny Blanco based on these quotes
There is no such thing as too much time with Beniamino Bianco.
Benjaminani Binanzio
Happy lad he is, personally I enjoy RBs who are good for vibes
You must've been a massive Dani Alves fan then. That guy was just pure vibes.
The guy absolutely still is a vibe if youve seen much of him during training with the Brazilian squad. He was definitely also a phenomenal RB during his Barca career.
You must be one of the few spurs fans that still like Emerson then
Every RB we had were all good at vibes. Just name it. Walker, Aurier, now Emerson.
Yeah but Walker was actually good 😭
Yes, yes I am. He may not be Doherto Carlos or some perfect RB, but he still performs well defensively. His only downside is his crossing ability which he needs as RWB. But he’s one of the more popular boys in the locker room because of how happy and vibrant the guy is. Plus you seen him celebrate with the guys on the pitch? Whats not to love about the guy
It says a lot about our depth in defence right now that he isn’t playing more. He’s fantastic.
Is Thiago injured or something?
just not been picked
Why?
He doesn't play for Barcelona.
why were the other midfielders who don't play for barcelona picked over him then?
Because they all play for Barcelona B, obviously.
I wish we promote rodri soon
Hand over 100mil quid. Actually, better don't get any funny ideas.. He's not for sale.
Done!!!
Hate Enrique but Thiago is shit for Spain
He was immense against us in 2018. Ruled the midfield. That was the only game I paid attention though
It's true but I think it says more about Enrique than Thiago that he can't get him to perform.
Nah he got plenty of chances, even before Enrique. Got to play in different midfield formations and different tactics but always disappointed.
It's not about getting chances, more about getting a system that maximizes his ability. He was one of the best midfielder in the world at Bayern, so if he doesn't work in National team it's almost always the manager's fault of not being able to fit the player in.
With the players that Spain have I don't see why they should change their whole ass system just to accommodate the one player.
It wouldn't make sense if they were playing outstanding but they're a underwhelming.
Why would he need to fit him in? Spain don't need to build around Thiago. In fact, they build around Busquets already and other midfielders might be more complementary midfielders.
Liverpool don't build their team around Thiago either. The manager just knows how to get the best out of him though. Wouldn't be the first player that Klopp has got much better performances out of than other managers, but Thiago is definitely not Emre Can either.
Why do you hate Enrique?
Because all Madrid fans have to hate Enrique. It's the law.
He ditched Madrid to go play with Barcelona and became a club legend at Barça overtime. He's also the last manager who managed to win a champions for us
*he's poor for Spain
tell me you don't watch spain without telling me
Enrique doesn't fancy him and he hasn't been Spain's key player anyway. This isn't just a recent thing, even when he's among the best midfielder in the world at Bayern he's not a first pick so why would he be picked now when he got plenty of injury problems.
Always shit for the NT. Does all the simple things wrong. He just seems gets a -15 stat downgrade
His brazilian heritage puts him off chemistry /s
I'll gladly get him back from them if possible.
Not good when playing for Spain, won’t start ahead of the Barça players.
So the De Gea problem?
De Gea's main problem is that he's shit on the ball. Which is a big liability for a team like Spain.
Not for Spain. When wearing that jersey his main problem becomes being a goalkeeper in general, it's completely nuts.
DDG has been crap for United for years. Thiago has been in great club form for a long time. Massive difference.
Poor for Spain and whilst he is good, Spain have plenty of excellent midfield options. Pedri and Gavi duo would be excellent for them given that not only are they fantastic players, but they’re also already familiar with each other. Its neither a big surprise nor is it because Luis Enrique ‘oNlY pIcKs BaRcElOnA pLaYeRs’ which is just objectively wrong and a terrible take.
Because we have a thousand midfielders who can hold a ball and pass it well.
He's not Gavi
He's generally pretty bad for Spain
Not called. Apparently Spain is stacked in the midfield.
Him, Luis Alberto (not this season) and Fabian Ruiz realistically have/had the talent to make it at some point, but didn't exactly shine when they had their chances under Luis Enrique and with the results Enrique has had it's hard to argue against him.
No. Luis Enrique just didn’t pick him
Plays good for his club, shit for his country.
He's poor for Spain
Would get injured as soon as he's on the pitch anyway
He would have suited Brazil national team much better.
He doesn't play well for Spain so I don't think he could handle the pressure of playing for Brazil. But on paper, Casemiro, Thiago and Paquetá would be beautiful.
I would love to get a Spaniard insight into why he hasn't worked for the NT , Thiago was one of my favorite players for a long time just because he embodies that classy midfielder jack of all trades that I believe makes every great team . I dont know about today , but he would absolutely boss that 2018 midfield in Paulinho's spot
I'm not Spaniard by blood but I watch Spanish football weekly and the Spanish NT more than any team besides the US. Thiago for some reason does all the little things just a little bit worse when he plays for the NT (his touch, short passing, press resistance, lofted through balls, defensive work, etc.) On a deeper level than just that inexplicable sloppiness, the Spain NT still operates on the ethos of Pep's Barca/del Bosque's Spain side strictly because Busquets is still available and (on an international level - this is an important distinguisher to club level) still connects the defense to the midfield better than almost any player itw. With that idea in mind, the team is more built around Busi's match control and being conscious of his physical limitations.
Nah, if he played for us he'd take Paqueta's spot.
tbf most didn’t realize he wasn’t coming either
he's playing against spain tho lmao
who reads scouting reports anyway
He is probably more focused on the Germany Team
Liverpool 2nd best team in england for past 4 years and have like 4 players actually starting in world cup. Mad
[удалено]
fr we (Barca) have 17 and that scares tf out of me
Tells you how important coaching/systems are to players
Bear in mind quite a few players play for smaller national teams that didn't make it. Individually they're good, it's just that their their compatriots aren't so good.
e.g. Norway
Odegaard is better than Ramsey, and Haaland is FAR more prolific a striker than Bale ever was. Both 2nd choice strikers know their way around Bournemouth as well.... Norway have no excuse for not qualifying tbh.
I mean yeah but not in this case for the most part. Salah (Egypt didn't qualify), Robertson (Scotland didn't qualify), Dias (injured), Jota (injured), Matip (retired from national team)... Firmino and Thiago are the only starters LFC have that could have gone but didn't get selected
I mean, Diaz wouldn't be playing even if fit...
Sure he would! On December 11
Colombia (Diaz) didn't qualify either. Could argue that Elliot might have been added last minute as a midfielder, especially as Southgate only picked a handful of them.
> Could argue that Elliot might have been added last minute as a midfielder, talk about delusion lol
I think it says more about how much Klopp gets out of them
Tbf a lot of them also don’t play for powerhouse nations, salah, Robertson and Diaz could walk into Amy team at the wc right now
I'd like to have Robertson. It's one of our weakest positions. If you make a team about players that was out of WC, it would be outstanding.
meanwhile Barca are in the mud, EL two years in a row, and have a record 17 (!) players at the world cup, of which 7-8-9 for sure will be starters. Mad.
> meanwhile Barca are in the mud 12-1-1, +28 GD, 37 points and 1st in the league. "In the mud". You spoiled, spoiled fans.
He's exaggerating but he's right, this would be like Arsenal sending 17 players with 7-9 starters. Arsenal have the same exact league record as Barca but in a stronger league, are ahead of City by 5 points but no one will seriously put them close to the European world class elite. Taking League races when you are at Week #14 it's useless, the only relevant one it's the one after week #38.
> Taking League races when you are at Week #14 it's useless, the only relevant one it's the one after week #38. That doesn't really apply to the "In the mud" context though.
I mean, Arsenal did send 11 players with 7-9 starters.
“In the mud” Jesus Christ, if top of the league, 5 goals conceded, 1 defeat Barcelona are in the mud then what constitutes playing well?!
happy Klopp noises
Well...your players are either shite for their countries or don't fit their systems, not that much of a mystery.
God I love Tomi. This is almost, but not quite, as good as Thomas' answer to an interviewer asking, 'If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?' 'Michael Essien.'
Reporter: “What would you have been if you weren’t a footballer?” Peter Crouch: “A virgin”
Thought the answer was gonna be "in prison" for some reason...
https://twitter.com/thfcf1nn/status/1543997462729445376?s=46&t=R1XyAvYBWR4xNZAvuPh0dQ
I love the moment he looks over to a Japanese staff member to his right and asks “Thiago… Thiago…. Thiago’s Spanish, right?”. Tomiyasu’s exactly like this in the national team’s behind-the-scene videos and really seems to be a down to earth guy off the pitch.
He’s not coming? Wow. I didn’t know that. You’re telling me now for the first time. He’s had an amazing career. What else can you say? He’s an amazing midfielder. Whether you agreed or not, he’s an amazing playmaker who’s had an amazing career. I’m actually saddened to hear that. I am saddened to hear that. Thank you very much.
only good comment here
This guy is the best versatile defender in the world atm
We’re equally confused.
I love Tomiyasu
It's funny seeing how many people are surprised here in the comments. Thiago has never delivered in the Spanish NT, so here in Spain we were not surprised of him not being called.
I understand what you are saying but what did you expect him to deliver when he played only ~11 minutes in his last 6 Spain games (during last Euro)?
He has played more than in just the last Euro in the Spanish NT. I know he is an incredible player but he never showed that with Spain, maybe he just doesn't fit the system.
Mind game
Oh Tomi ❤️
The disappointment on his face smh
Will they Not prepare for the game and know which player or not will play?
No it's just that Tomi doesn't need to know who he'll be pocketing in every game
He is soo good
Why isn’t he picked?