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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At ’15 years old in the Barca Academy’ and this signing ’12 years later’ does not make him ‘the 29 year old Spaniard’ unless my maths are incorrect.
taken4mugs(Quote)
Was meant to say ’14 years later’, as stated in the first line.
Your maths was correct, my error! Edited now 🙂
Olly Hawkins(Quote)