Journalist explains why Thiago’s international career could be over – Liverpool FC
Thiago has not been called up by Spain manager Luis Enrique since a minimal role at Euros, with the Liverpool midfielder’s international career likely to be over.
It’s a strange situation from the outside as Thiago is still one of the best midfielders in the world but fails to gain recognition from Spain.
The 31-year-old’s injuries certainly aren’t helping, but once he’s fit it seems a no-brainer to include him in a midfield group that includes teenagers Gavi and Pedri and 34-year-old Sergio Busquets.
However, that is clearly not the Spain manager’s view as Thiago has not been called up to Enrique’s squad since Euro 2021.
Thiago played just 64 minutes at the tournament and has since been missed for six consecutive international breaks.
Spain suffered a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland on Saturday night as a side that included some players who were no longer regulars at their clubs were defeated by goals from Manuel Akanji and Breel Embolo.
A loss raised questions about Enrique’s approach, but as explained by the athleteDermot Corrigan is unlikely to change his attitude towards players like Thiago.
Corrigan explains that Enrique “has made up his mind [certain players] doesn’t fit what he wants’, notably noting that ‘no matter how much Thiago creates for Liverpool’ he’s unlikely to be recalled.
That, it is claimed, is because the No. 6 “didn’t fit the all-action style [Enrique] Requirements with a focus on making lots of space and playing at top speed.”
Whether that’s true is debatable as Thiago thrives in Jurgen Klopp’s high-paced system, but it can only be seen as a positive for Liverpool.
James Milner has stretched his career to age-defying lengths after retiring from England duty aged 30 and while their bodies are markedly different, there is hope Thiago can benefit from similar ones.
It might not be his own decision to retire but one enforced by the current Spain coach but it seems like Thiago won’t be called up as long as Enrique stays in charge.
In the short-term, this means Thiago will miss the mid-season World Cup, instead enjoying some time off with his family before heading to Dubai for warm-weather training and friendlies with the Reds.