Liverpool 3 - 1 Manchester City - The Man Of The Match
Thiago Alcantara
One of the best midfielders to ever grace the game, and he was on another level once again yesterday. His control of tempo and space is unparalleled, with everyone now willing to work to his pace.
When the game required possession, Thiago reacted. When the game required a game-breaking pass, Thiago reacted. His decision making is beyond anyone else’s, and it must be a delight to be an attacker and see Alcantara on the ball.
Off the ball …
Thiago - The Master Controller
Outside of Anfield, The Allianz Arena and The Camp Nou, the penny may have finally dropped.
I recall when Liverpool signed Thiago Alcantara being asked some peculiar questions. It mostly regarded his goals and assists record, and whether he was a better player than this player or that. To appreciate his brilliance is to understand the role Thiago plays in his version of football, and his version is nothing short of spectacular.
In the aftermath of yet another massive Liverpool …
Observations: Demolition Job
4-0. Against Manchester United. 9-0 across home and away. It's often said that for certain fixtures, form goes out of the window and the derby atmosphere makes anything possible. That was true when Liverpool were struggling and United were top dogs, and it was true for most of Klopp's time the other way. But this year, the Reds have completely demolished the aura of the derby. Old Trafford has been conquered. Mancunian spirits have been broken. And boy, did we …
Liverpool 4 - 0 Manchester United - Man Of The Match
Thiago Alcantara
The master orchestrater and controller of the Reds' midfield. He wanted the ball in any and every situation, and United could do nothing to stop him. His first half display was sensational, with the game both quickened and slowed to meet his desire. A moment in the first half saw him win the ball on half way, like a prime Mascherano. His overall okay was near faultless, and there was even recognition from the commentators.
To enjoy this …
Manchester City 2 - 2 Liverpool - The Man of the Match
Thiago Alcantara
The Spanish midfield maestro was at times brilliant today, as well as offering some Paul Scholes type challenges.
His touch, vision, and ability to control the games tempo is sometimes astounding. In a game that kept shifting up multiple gears, he always seemed calm and assured on the ball, and demanded his football throughout.
The challenges could have seen an early bath for sure, but his intensity to stand up to such a great team was there to …
Klopp’s Campaign Management
Stubbornness, single mindedness, arrogance and an absolute inability to adjust one's methods, can be the downfall of even the best managers in modern football.
In recent years we have seen the likes of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, unable to adapt to the modern needs of Premier League football, with both departing the division at relative low points. The signs are often evident, the fall off from brilliance usually gradual, but the reason for the decline always consistent. Football changes, …
Thiago - It’s a Kinda Magic
Football can be pure joy to the eye, with wonderful technicians (thanks Brendan) scattering the past and present of the game. I grew up watching the gliding destruction of John Barnes, mesmerised by his abilities. Later I would sit pitch side, enthralled by the elegance of Steve McManaman as chalk dusted his boots, and I now shuffle forward in my seat every time a certain Spaniard receives the ball.
When rock and roll football announced its arrival at Anfield, it …
Nat Phillips Had No Doubt Midfielder Was "a Serious Player"
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips says there were never any doubts in the squad about the ability of "unbelievable footballer" Thiago Alcântara.
Thiago arrived at Anfield from Bayern Munich for the start of the season. He did not enjoy the easiest of bedding-in periods and was badly injured by a rash Richarlison tackle in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in October.
In a chat with the Liverpool Echo, Phillips discussed how impressed the first-team squad was with Thiago's ability in …
Red reveals words of advice and praise received from teammates
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has spoken of some of the confidence-building words of encouragement he has heard from experienced teammates.
Phillips played a pivotal role in Liverpool's strong run of form to the end of the season, normally alongside either Ozan Kabak or young Rhys Williams at the heart of The Reds' defence.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Phillips revealed how some of the more senior players in the squad would take every opportunity to pass on advice or messages …
Thiago and Fabinho Axis Show The Way Forward For Liverpool
It has mostly been a train wreck of a season for Liverpool.
Going into the season as defending champions, the Reds -- crippled by a huge injury toll -- relinquished their title without as much as a whimper and they gave a generally poor account of themselves in cup competitions, both domestically and in Europe.
As things stand, the Anfield club face a fight to even compete at Europe's top table again next season, a prospect that would have seemed …