Liverpool: 3 keys to victory against Burnley on Premier League’s Matchday 37

Follow Thiago Alcantara’s lead

Thiago Alcantara put together a masterclass against Burnley. He was the key man for the Reds, as he helped the team control the match. And he didn’t just pass the ball around aimlessly. Thiago, per WhoScored.com, had five key passes and two dribbles completed, in addition to completing his defensive duties.

When you watch Thiago play, you can tell he is a cut above the rest of the midfielders, not just in Liverpool but in the Premier League as a whole. The Spanish international sees what his teammates don’t. He can buy time on the ball before releasing a pass into the channel or down the wing at the right time. Thiago loves to think multiple steps ahead, switching the ball around so that the next passer has an opportunity to make the key pass in a goal-creating sequence.

It’s important for Liverpool to follow his lead. Find Thiago and let him dictate the match. Allow him to unlock the defense and use his passes to guide the next decision. Why is he directing this run or this pass? Why did he drift into this space? Trust Thiago and go with what he does. Allow him to be the leader of the attack and play off him.

Liverpool have a special player in the former treble winner. They need to take advantage of him on Wednesday night against a Burnley side that will suffocate space and look to throw the Reds off their usual game.