Diogo Jota has praised Liverpool teammate Thiago Alcantara’s passing ability after he set up his goal against Arsenal last night.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com after the game, Jota said that it makes a huge difference to have someone of Thiago’s quality picking out the passes.
“You know when you have players like Thiago in the midfield, if you are in the right space you know he can see you and put the ball there,” said Jota.
“It was the first time I really had space in the game in their defensive line and I took advantage of it, and it was massive for us at this moment.”
It was a great goal at a vital time for Liverpool. The Reds had been coming under a spell of pressure from Arsenal and hadn’t looked likely of creating anything themselves.
But that’s exactly why Thiago was brought into the club. Liverpool have struggled to break down teams who play with a low block and one of the Spaniard’s big strengths is seeing and taking on passes that other players might not.
And when you have a poacher like Jota, all you need is that one chance to make the difference. That’s exactly what happened for Liverpool last night.
Thiago’s redemption
Prior to the sumptuous through ball which led to Jota scoring, it hadn’t been one of Thiago’s better games for Liverpool.
Just before the opening goal, the 30-year-old looked like he had supplied an assist at the other end instead. Looking for Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal, Thiago under hit the back-pass and put Alexandre Lacazette through on goal instead.
Alisson bailed him out on that occasion and meant that Thiago’s telling contribution in the game turned out to be a positive one.
At least the former Bayern Munich midfielder could see the funny side, though.
“I don’t understand why Robbo got man of the match, I gave two assists and he (gave) just one!” Thiago said to Sky Sports after the game.
He just loves giving assists, we can get behind that!
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