Everton vs Liverpool

The Spanish international was desperate to make a positive impact on his first Liverpool start, after being forced to miss four of the Red’s early season fixtures after testing positive for Covid-19. The midfielder made a triumphant return during Saturday’s lunchtime Merseyside derby, producing for me, a man of the match performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

Here’s why he deserves my MOTM accolade for today!

Throughout the game, the midfield posted some eye-catching stats during the draw. According to Squawka Football, nobody had more touches, produced more passes, completed more take-ons, or registered more interceptions. His skipper Jordan Henderson, produced 20 fewer passes on Derby Day than the ex Bayern Munich midfielder.

His distribution throughout the game left Liverpool fans stunned at times. And it looked, at one point the stunning pass he made late on would play a key role in securing the three points for the Reds. Controversially, however, Mane was deemed to be offside, as he received the ball from Jordan Henderson.

With many fans left bemused by that decision, no one can question Thiago’s ability to read the game. His link-up play, ability to control the tempo and the partnership with Brazilian midfielder Fabinho were important for the visitors, who I believe came out on top in that crucial area of the pitch. It will interesting to see how this partnership between the two, will develop throughout the season.

His performance this afternoon lit up the Twitter-feed with many Liverpool fans praising the midfielder’s performance. I felt the 29-year old, did an exemplary job of dictating the play, in a tough game for the Reds. For a player, not accustomed to the Premier League or the Merseyside rivalry, he is lack of experience did not show. Thiago showed us, once again why he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football, and why he has been pivotal to Bayern Munich’s success.

We hope the midfielder will be fit to feature in Liverpool’s champions league clash against Ajax on Wednesday evening. The Spaniard was recovering from a heavy lunge by Richarlison, which resulted in a red card for the Toffee player. Klopp told in his post-match press conference “When I left the pitch, Thiago told me in the red card situation with Richarlison he thinks he got injured. We will see if it’s true or not, but if he felt like this then we need to have a look.” Liverpool has confirmed Thiago has been taken to hospital for a scan. We are yet to await the result.

Even so, a great performance from Thiago! And a great way to begin an LFC career. Already, a firm favourite with the Kop.

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