I've always seen our midfield trio as CDM-CM-ACM, two players in front of Busquets with one in a more advanced role than the other. Xavi was the CM, whereas Iniesta was the ACM. Maybe it isn't that bad of an idea to have Iniesta play the 'Xavi' role and Thiago play more towards the box of the two players in front of Busquets. That could unlock more of Thiago's potential, since he does indeed reminds me more of an ACM than CM.