Liverpool returned to Premier League action last night with a visit from rivals Manchester United, with the game ending in a frustrating draw that sees the Reds move down to fourth spot in the table with United remaining top.
It was a game of two halves really – with Jurgen Klopp’s side dominating the first and United taking their chances well on the counter during the second, with neither side able to capitalise on their chances.
There were some positives for the Reds to take from the game despite lacking in the final third and failing to convert chances in the box – with the likes of Alisson proving a game-changer between the sticks and another good performance from Fabinho at centre-back but for me, the best player on the pitch from both sides was Thiago last night.
Who was your MOTM vs Manchester United?
Mo Salah
Roberto Firmino
Thiago
Curtis Jones
The Spaniard was the creative spark in a team lacking goals, with him keeping 9.1% of the total possession during the game last night and ran the midfield battle for the Reds. Thiago managed 3 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 1 clearance in addition to his impressive ball retention, with many of Liverpool’s chances and creativity either starting or being completed by him.
In attack, the 29-year-old registered 2 shots with 2 key passes and completed 5 successful dribbles and an 86.5% pass success rate, which is low given his usual numbers but still managed to drive the attack and control the midfield well.
His quality has been so evident since joining the club and despite the lack of game time, he seems to be slotting in excellently well and has no doubt secured a permanent spot in the starting XI. Thiago even created a great chance for himself with his thunderous shot that was parried away by David De Gea.
Overall it was a cultured performance from the midfielder and he dominated the middle of the park for the Reds and really helped to stop United’s midfield from getting too much time on the ball, especially Bruno Fernandes who was anonymous for most of the game.
What do you think Liverpool fans, were you impressed by Thiago’s performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…