Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was left stunned at suggestions that Thiago Alcantara did not fit the Reds' style of play following his move from Bayern Munich.
The Spain international struggled with injuries during his debut season at Anfield but has caught the eye with a number of impressive displays in the middle of the park in recent months.
Early criticism of Thiago stemmed from the view that the 31-year-old slowed the game down, and Klopp is grateful that critics of the midfielder are not the ones making the decisions on the touchline.
"People actually questioned whether Thiago suited our style? Thank God those people don't make decisions!" Klopp told his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton.
"If a player calms games down in moments, it's just of course nothing we thought. Thiago wanted to join us and he knew how we play.
"He thinks a lot about football. We knew he would fit in. It's been about getting fit, staying fit and getting used to slight differences to his former club. Then you can go from there."
Thiago has scored two goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances for Liverpool so far this season and earned plenty of plaudits for his performance in Tuesday's 4-0 thumping of Manchester United.
Klopp also issued an update on Roberto Firmino's foot injury as Liverpool aim to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Ben Knapton
