Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says manager Jurgen Klopp deserves a lot of praise for signing Thiago Alcantara.

The Reds were not too active in the summer transfer window, but they did strengthen in all the right places.

Thiago was signed for added creativity and passing ability in midfield, while Diogo Jota brings competition for places and added depth in the attacking positions.

Murphy is a huge admirer of Thiago, who won the Champions League with Bayern Munich this summer.

He told the Football Index Podcast of that business: "I think Thiago is an unbelievable acquisition because he is one of the only players in Europe who could improve Liverpool's midfield.

"Even at 29 years old, he will give Liverpool at least three or four years and it was a brilliant bit of business for the fee involved as well.

"I first watched Thiago at Barcelona and the game looked effortless for him. Thiago is a midfielder that can dictate the tempo of a match like [Paul] Scholes used to, and there aren't many of them about.

"Thiago has the ability to always have time on the ball because of the movement he does to create space. He very rarely loses the ball when he is pressed because of his awareness.

"Thiago is an absolute steal at that price. Klopp deserves a medal for convincing him because the Liverpool fans are going to adore him."