Thiago has broken Liverpool Twitter.
The new signing has sparked rave reviews of his 45 minute appearance against Chelsea on Sunday as he helped Liverpool to a 2-0 win.
Sadio Mane might have scored both goals, but the papers will be dominated by Thiago – who finally sealed his move to Anfield just days before making his debut.
He had 89 touches and made 83 passes after coming on for Jordan Henderson. Thiago completed 75% of his passes as he set about trying to control the tempo and motion of the midfield.
The Spaniard also looked to probe Chelsea’s weak defence as he made more passes inside the Blues’ half than any other Liverpool player.
Empire Of The Kop described his performance as a combination between Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, while respected Anfield Wrap writer Leanne Prescott couldn’t get over the quality Thiago was able to bring to the field.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, however, as the former Bayern Munich star gave away the penalty that Alisson Becker saved – nor was the transition from Munich’s midfield two to Liverpool’s three seamless.
But that’ll come with time spent in training, and you wouldn’t expect any problems from the new signing in that respect.
Klopp’s side have got a League Cup fixture to navigate next and nobody would be surprised if Thiago starts alongside a more youthful midfield before the Premier League resumes.
Incredible how at home Thiago looked having only signed two days ago. Slotted in seamlessly: pulled the strings, dictated tempo, stretched play. Completed more passes than any Chelsea player despite coming on at HT. Looked like he’d played in this team for years. What a player.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) September 20, 2020
Thiago is like Mascherano with the passing of Alonso
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 20, 2020
Normally the bane of Premier League managers, the Carabao Cup could come at a good time here. It’ll give the midfielder time to adjust to the tactical demands of Klopp and it’ll give him a few extra minutes in the legs.
The manager could also try bring those on the fringes of the team into the fold, which could prove useful for Takimi Minamino, Divock Origi, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
But the eyes of the world will still be on Thiago.