Thiago Alcantara names Liverpool teammate who he was 'in love' with - 'So good'

Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has named the best player he played alongside for each of the clubs he represented, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Reds

Thiago Alcantara arrives before the Champions League game between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona(Image: David Ramos - UEFA via Getty Images)

Thiago Alcantara says Roberto Firmino was his favorite Liverpool player during their time together at Anfield — with the Spaniard explaining his "love" for the Brazilian.

Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Thiago picked the best star he played alongside for each of the teams that he represented — Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool — with Firmino picked out for praise.

"Bobby Firmino, I was in love with that player," Thiago said. "He puts his talent into the service of the team. And he was so good on the ball, he was quick, he was strong, he was a great goalscorer. I would say him."

Thiago went with Andres Iniesta from Barcelona and Philipp Lahm at Bayern Munich — two obvious choices.

"For sure, the understanding of the game, this kind of mix between tactical and talent, was Andres Iniesta," Thiago explained.

"His understanding, his natural skills in football. We had Messi, Xabi, Busquets; we had a lot of great players. He was playing more or less in my position and you mirror yourself into that player.

Roberto Firmino and Thiago were teammates at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"At Bayern Munich, we had Franck Ribery, we had Arjen Robben, but I’m going back to my position, to see a player like Philipp Lahm.

"He was very consistent as a full-back, then started to play in the middle and you’d say, ‘Did this guy always play in the middle? He was not a full-back!'"

This week, Firmino had a very successful Monday. His Qatari team, Al Sadd, was confirmed as league champion. It also progressed past Al Hilal in the Asian Champions League.

Firmino scored in that game but then missed from the penalty spot. But with Karim Benzema and others also unsuccessful from 12 yards, his side moved into the quarterfinals regardless.

Earlier this season, Firmino offered his verdict on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who moved to Liverpool last summer. They could end up forming another exciting frontline just like the one he was involved in with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

"They've already proved that they're top-class players," he said. "I didn't know Ekitike before he joined Frankfurt. But he's already shown his potential with goals and performances and seems to have a lot of desire to become a historic player for the club.

"I wish them both the best. It's only the beginning of their time at Liverpool. Yes, of course (I still follow Liverpool). They had a good start to the season, now they've suffered a drop in performance.

"But I'm sure they'll soon be back with everything they've got to compete for all the trophies."