Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has heaped reward on Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara for his efficiency in opposition to Villarreal within the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The midfielder ran the proceedings within the first leg of the tie at Anfield on Wednesday, April 27, as his aspect gained 2-0. He additionally acquired the ‘Participant of the Match’ award on the evening.
Thiago has been good for Liverpool previously three matches in opposition to Manchester United, Everton, and Villarreal.
The Spaniard got here below criticism after becoming a member of the Merseysiders from Bayern Munich in 2020 as he took time to quiet down. Damage points did not assist him both. Nevertheless, he has shone by means of this season, particularly in the previous few weeks.
Highlighting this, Carragher stated on CBS Sports activities (by way of HITC):
“He’s been good, he actually has. In these final three or 4 months, he has been one of many first names on the teamsheet. There was quite a lot of criticism when he got here in as a result of he wasn’t like the opposite midfield gamers and would Liverpool lose one thing?”
He added:
“However the purpose they introduced him in is that he can present one thing completely different. There was at all times that debate final season ‘has he fitted in?’ Final season was a write off for Liverpool due to the accidents, additionally for Thiago as properly. I believe over the past three or 4 months, not simply among the finest Liverpool gamers. He has presumably been among the finest gamers within the Premier League. He has made an enormous distinction to Liverpool.”
Thiago had a passing accuracy of 96% (99/103) in opposition to Villarreal and accomplished all 9 of his tried lengthy balls. He even hit the submit as soon as.
Liverpool’s midfield has been good this season
The attacking prowess of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Roberto Firmino typically earns plaudits, and rightly so. Nevertheless, midfield has been an space of large affect for Jurgen Klopp’s aspect this season.
Thiago, Fabinho, Naby Keita, and Jordan Henderson have typically stepped as much as ship the products. Whereas Fabinho breaks up the opposition’s play brilliantly, Thiago gives an amazing stage of management.
Henderson and Keita, in the meantime, distribute play and provoke assaults for the frontmen to then do their magic. The addition of James Milner, Harvey Elliott, and Curtis Jones gives depth to their squad as properly.
It has general been an ideal staff efficiency from the Merseysiders this season. Therefore, it’s no shock that they’re aiming to safe an unprecedented quadruple.
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The Reds have already gained the Carabao Cup and can face Chelsea within the FA Cup ultimate on Might 14. They now have a two-goal benefit of their Champions League semi-final tie. They’re additionally only one level behind leaders Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League desk.
