Thiago put in a performance to remember for Liverpool in their 3-2 win over Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp labelled it a ‘top performance’.
Liverpool are into the FA Cup final for the first time since 2012 after a hectic game against Manchester City at Wembley. The Reds raced into a 3-0 halftime lead, only for Pep Guardiola’s side to pull it back to 3-2. A nervous final few minutes finished goalless, thankfully.
And there were some fine performances on show for Liverpool. Sadio Mané took the headlines and rightfully so – his two goals swung this match. Ibrahima Konate certainly played his part, too, with the opening goal and a fine defensive display.
And in midfield, we’d pick out Thiago. The Spaniard was magnificent in everything he did for Liverpool – with and without the ball.
Thiago won 100% of his duels at Wembley, for instance. Two headers out of two, two dribbles out of two and – incredibly – four tackles out of four. That latter figure was a match-high (with four other players).
And with the ball, Thiago was as fantastic as you’d expect. His 92% success rate was the best of any starting player, while he managed to create one chance, too. Liverpool involved their no.6 heavily and to fantastic effect.
Thiago shines for Liverpool
This was a ‘top performance’, in the words of Jurgen Klopp. And it truly was – a big game player delivering all over the pitch when Liverpool needed it.
Can you believe there was a time when people doubted Thiago? There were claims that he didn’t fit the playing style, disrupted things, or just couldn’t keep up with the physicality in England. All well and truly put to bed – he’s a phenomenal player who takes Liverpool to another level.
And perhaps, with a bit of luck, that level is four trophies this season.
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