Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder has praised Thiago Alcantara’s display for Liverpool last night.
Thiago was instrumental as The Reds beat the Dutch Champions 2-1 at Anfield. And speaking via the Liverpool Echo, Schreuder said that the Spaniard was an ‘extra weapon’ for Liverpool.
“We will have a look further at the intensity and we can always learn about that, we don’t have that in the Dutch league, it’s quicker at this level. It’s a learning moment for us,” he said.
“I had hoped we would have done better at the beginning. There was definitely space but we were put under pressure. We got out of it a few times pretty well. Liverpool took a few more risks. Thiago was an extra weapon in the midfield and he could switch the play. It’s a top team. It’s not for nothing they are the favourites in this group.”
Thiago makes the difference for Liverpool
What can you say about Thiago’s performance last night. It wasn’t just the immense quality on the ball, that’s something we expect from the 31-year-old by now.
His pressing, tackling and positional awareness were all excellent, too. Again, though mightily impressive, those are things we’re used to seeing from Thiago.
Instead, perhaps the best thing about Liverpool’s no.6 last night was the leadership he displayed.
Coming into the starting line-up for the first time in five weeks, the difference he made was absolutely enormous.
Given the pressure on him to turn things around for Liverpool, some players may have hidden, or folded. Not Thiago. From the very first minute he put the midfield on his back and took responsibility.
With a teenaged Harvey Elliott and a shattered Fabinho alongside him, this was so important.
Fabinho especially seems to benefit whenever Thiago is in the team. The pair are arguably the only world-class midfield options that Liverpool have. The difference with them both on the pitch is pretty much night and day.
Having dragged his team though the game, you could really see what it meant to Thiago to get the win. We’ll never tire of seeing such a storied player so moved by playing in Liverpool red. In fact, we’ll never tired of seeing him in Liverpool red full stop. What a player. Now please stay fit!
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