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Jose Enrique has explained that Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara has a problem right now fitting into the starting XI, as well as adding the Merseyside giants lost intensity when he entered the action last night against Real Madrid.

The Reds bowed out of the Champions League on Wednesday after a goalless draw at Anfield against Madrid, which meant they were beaten 3-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

Thiago, 30, didn’t start the European showdown, which in itself highlights the fact it’s been a challenging first year in English football.

The Spanish midfielder couldn’t quite make the impact with his cameo appearance off the bench for the final half an hour, but in fairness Liverpool lacked a clinical touch all game.

Pundit and ex-Reds defender Enrique suggests that right now finding a spot for the £200,000-a-week (Spotrac) ace is proving difficult for German boss Jurgen Klopp.

Enrique explains right now Thiago can’t seem to fit into the Liverpool system.

“Thiago is world-class, but he’s a no.6, and Liverpool already have the best no.6 in the country in Fabinho. So he has a problem,” he wrote for Empire of the Kop.

“The best option for Thiago going forward is if Liverpool play with two holding midfielders – a double pivot – next to Fabinho. But I’m not sure that is the best for the team, as 4-3-3 is Klopp’s favourite shape and how we usually play.

“We’ll see what Klopp does – I can’t teach him anything – but in the second-half yesterday, when Thiago came on, we lost some intensity.”

TBR’s View:

Liverpool’s midfield combination that has been so effective in the past few seasons has been made up of relentless workhorses such as Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson, who play with high intensity and cover every blade of grass.

The Reds knew they were signing a different kind of player in Thiago from Bayern Munich. He’s someone that has exquisite technique, and he can dictate possession with his eyes closed.

It’s clear that Klopp needs a small rethink during the summer to get his side back competing for the title again, and finding a way to get the best out of Thiago should be at the front of his thought process.