Michael Owen raises fears over Liverpool marvel Thiago Alcantara

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Michael Owen has told Optus Sport that he believes Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is facing a conundrum over Thiago Alcantara.

The champions were thrashed 4-1 by Manchester City yesterday to all but end their hopes of retaining their title.

Two goals from Ilkay Gundogan and goals by Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden but Liverpool to the sword.

Liverpool have not lost three games in succession at Anfield and face a real fight to finish in the top four.

Plenty of criticism was thrown towards Alisson for his two calamitous moments which handed City their victory.

Owen, however, believes another issue is brewing for Klopp to solve.

He told Optus Sport: “There’s another big question looming and it’s midfield over Thiago. We all know what a wonderful player he is.

“At the moment I’m not sure whether it’s because he’s come into a team that’s lacking confidence, or whether he’s part of a minor problem as well.

“If I was of his quality and someone like Shaqiri or Milner was coming on for me.

“I just don’t feel like he’s that he’s that man at the moment that’s offering something.

“Is it that he doesn’t really fit into this team or has he just come in at a bad moment. We’ll see but there’s something not quite right.”

TBR View: Thiago issue is a sizeable one

It’s fair to say that Owen has a point when it comes to debating where Thiago fits in this team.

Having Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at centre-back certainly isn’t helping but Thiago isn’t at his free-flowing best.

The ex-Bayern man earns £192,000-a-week at Anfield and is trying to get back to his best after a period spent injured.

Clearly, he is world-class but the challenge for Klopp is to try and establish the best role for him in the current Liverpool team.

The City game leaves Klopp with more questions than answers and it’ll be intriguing to see where the champions go from here.