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Featured Image Credit: Image: LFC Comps & Sky Sports
Topics: Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool, Manchester United
Josh Lawless
Topics: Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool, Manchester United
Thiago Alcantara received a standing ovation at Anfield after producing arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt on Tuesday night.
The Reds moved to the top of the table after blitzing Manchester United for the second time this season, putting four past their rivals without reply to make it 9-0 on aggregate across two games.
Mo Salah struck twice, with Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane also on target in a wholly dominant performance from Jurgen Klopp's side.
But while it was the frightening front three who did the damage, Thiago was the best player on the pitch by a country mile.
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United simply could not get near him during his 80 minutes on the pitch. He was always a step ahead, creating so much time and space for himself with shimmies and turns that had fans, viewers and commentators purring.
Jamie Carragher let out a few strange noises watching Thiago strut his stuff, while the iconic Peter Drury said the Spaniard "does things with football which ought to be illegal" during his commentary.
It was a perfect summary of Thiago as a footballer and he was truly a joy to watch in his latest outing. His passing, whether playing through the lines or switching the play across to the full-back or winger, was bang on the money.
In fact, in the first half, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man completed 98% of his passes - which is quite ridiculous accuracy when you think of it.
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What's more, he had the most touches with 129, the most accurate passes with 105 and the most passes in the final third with 25.
They are a just a few of the areas he led in the statistics department.
Thiago has a special swagger about him on the pitch and genuinely plays like he's in his back garden. Bruno Fernandes tried to press him on a number of occasions but failed each time.
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He beat him with his deft trademark turn and there was another instance where Thiago flicked the ball over his head and controlled it with ease.
Thiago is quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing footballer in world football and everything he does looks easy on the eye.
But he was also extremely effective without the ball and made crucial interceptions and blocks to regain possession for his side - winning seven out of seven duels and completing three tackles and two interceptions.
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Thiago himself downplayed his display post-match and focused on praising the team, but Klopp had no problem waxing lyrical over his No.6.
"Not bad eh? He is a world-class player. He can be pretty dangerous with and without the ball," Klopp told Sky Sports.
"Thiago played a good game. So from our point of view, there is really nothing to moan about. We really don't take this for granted.
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"He didn't want to come off! He wanted to stay on the pitch - I like the desire behind that! He played a proper game. Football is outstanding, but his counter-pressing was mad. That makes the full package. I couldn't respect it more.
"He is an outstanding player. We have to make sure that he can keep his rhythm and that he can play as often as possible."