Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has torn into the state of the Reds’ midfield - revealing that he has ‘never been a fan’ of star man Thiago.

The Lowdown: Liverpool set for squad overhaul in transfer market

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been one of several underachievers this term, with the Reds heading into this weekend outside of the European places.

A Champions League spot may still be in reach, but there are perhaps issues that need to be resolved in the summer to avoid a repeat of this year’s disappointing campaign to date.

Liverpool’s form had even led to questions being asked of Klopp’s future at Anfield, and while he does not appear close to saying goodbye just yet, Hamann feels the German may well do if they are unable to regain their competitiveness in the transfer market.

The Latest: Hamann lays into Thiago and his Liverpool teammates

Speaking on TalkSport, Hamann addressed the current make-up of the Reds’ midfield, slating a number of Reds players in that area of the pitch.

While he is by no means alone in dishing out such criticism, he may be in his take on Spain international Thiago as he let rip on several Liverpool players.

Speaking prior to Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace, he said: “All the players they've got in midfield - who are you going to keep for next season? Because obviously the ones who have got a contract, I'm not sure somebody will take them.

“But if you look at midfield now, you look at Bajcetic, who has done well, he’s a young kid - of course you've got to keep him. Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones - they have progressed.

“Thiago, I've never been a fan of. I don't think Liverpool is good enough to have a Thiago in the team at the moment. Fabinho hasn't been the same. Milner is coming to the end, has been a brilliant player.

“Then you’ve got Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have been very disappointing since they've come, so you probably need three or four midfielders alone, and that takes a lot of money.

“Anfield Road Stand is getting extended, that costs an awful lot of money. So I just wonder how much money they've got in the summer, because if they're not remotely competitive, I'm not sure the manager will stay.”

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The Verdict: Thiago made a Liverpool scapegoat

While a lot of Liverpool’s midfielders faced Hamann’s wrath, we feel his words on Thiago are especially harsh.

It is clear that Klopp rates the Spaniard, as he has started every game he has been available for in the Premier League, with the German also labelling him 'sensational' in the past.

But with the Reds having only won four of the eight games without him prior to this weekend’s clash, it hardly seems as though he is the problem.

Thiago has certainly had his low moments this term - he gave away the penalty for the decisive goal that sealed defeat against Arsenal back in October, while he came in for criticism following his display in Liverpool’s 3-0 reverse against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this year.

But it is surely too simplistic to say he is not a good fit for the team while the Reds are out of form when he was a common presence throughout last season’s quadruple tilt; Liverpool lost just one league game with Thiago in the side last term - which was their 3-2 loss at West Ham United, where he had only made a substitute appearance.

We would argue that as a high-profile name in the current Liverpool midfield, he is something of an easy target - and ex-Liverpool players like Hamann should take a step back and realise this is merely a top-class team playing themselves out of their prolonged slump.