Liverpool set to sign £27m star Sir Bobby Robson said would be a "great player" in 2006

FOURTEEN years ago, Sir Bobby Robson named a 15-year-old Barcelona prospect he was certain would become a "great player" in the game.

The man he was referring to was Thiago Alcantara - a Spanish talent he'd only seen play for FIFTEEN minutes at the time of this golden interview with Sky Sports' Pete Graves.

"That young man will become a great player, keep an eye on Thiago, 15-years old currently in Barca academy"

14 years later, The Athletic have this morning revealed that the 29-year-old Spaniard is on his way to the Premier League, with the 2020 Champions League winner closing in on a £27m move to Liverpool after a fee between the Reds and Bayern Munich was agreed.

A top class signing for Jurgen Klopp, but the fact Sir Bobby picked him out as a star of the future after just 15 minutes is testament to the great man.

With a few Champions League winners medals and title wins in both Spain and Germany under his belt, the Newcastle United great will be looking down on Thiago proud as punch.

A brilliant player and an even more brilliant post from the late, great Sir Bobby.

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