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Bayern Munich: Thiago looks to prove his worth with Spain at World Cup

By Michael Philander

DUESSELDORF, GERMANY - MARCH 23: Thiago Alcantara of Spain runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Spain at Esprit-Arena on March 23, 2018 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
DUESSELDORF, GERMANY - MARCH 23: Thiago Alcantara of Spain runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Spain at Esprit-Arena on March 23, 2018 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /
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Thiago Alcantara will be hoping for a good World Cup with Spain to either prove his worth to Bayern Munich or earn a move back to Barcelona.

After an injury plagued season, and with the addition of Corentin Tolisso and James Rodriguez, Thiago Alcantara’s importance to Bayern Munich has decreased significantly. Thiago will be looking to play his heart out in Russia to either show his importance to Bayern Munich or his value to any admirers like Barcelona.

Thiago spent 114 days out injured during the ’17-18 season, according to Transfermarkt. This adds up to a total of 19 matches missed. When playing for a club like Bayern Munich this may feel like an eternity, especially if the players that have replaced you in the team are doing well.

Such was the reality Thiago faced this season. The addition of a world class creator in James Rodriguez made his absence as a creative force feel like nothing. Corentin Tolisso also slotted into Thiago’s role very well when he was called upon, after having the impressive debut season that many had thought Renato Sanches would’ve had.

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Thiago will also face competition in the upcoming season from Leon Goretzka, who was acquired on a free from Schalke 04.

Thiago has recently drawn criticism from Lothar Matthaus, who said “Thiago has not made a difference in big games.” The German legend also said Thiago is a great player, but he doesn’t understand where his head is at, and added, “If a suitable offer is on the table, Bayern should think about it.”

Thiago’s role for Spain this summer

There is practically no better place than the World Cup for Thiago to display how great of a player he is. Spain has the ability to go very far in the World Cup with one of the most talented squads in the competition. They will be looking to transition their dominance on the club stage to the World Cup this year, especially after their disaster in Brazil four years ago.

Thiago’s role in Julen Lopetegui’s Spainish team will be as a deep lying playmaker, similar to Xavi Hernandez’s in Spain’s title-winning 2010 campaign. He will need to both dictate the pace of the match and look for killer passes to spark the offense. He’ll be right at the heart of the team and there is no better position for a player to show their importance.

Barca’s Interest

Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet Sport, is interested in a transfer because they are looking for a player of Thiago’s caliber, as the retirements of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have left a hole in that position.

As a graduate of La Masia, Thiago will definitely be a priority for the Catalans. Since he understands their system and tempo, he would be expected to make a seamless transition to Barcelona’s midfield.

Next: Corentin Tolisso should be a guaranteed starter for France at the World Cup

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good performance from Thiago Alcantara at this summer’s World Cup will open a future of possibilities and give him the opportunity to choose whether to stay at Bayern Munich and fight for his place or ignite interest from Barcelona and potentially earn a move back to Spain. It will be very interesting to see how he performs this summer and what decision he makes heading into the next season.