Michael Owen has admitted on BT Sport that he’s been blown away by Liverpool maestro Thiago Alcantara.
The Spain international helped Liverpool put one foot in the Champions League final on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side beat Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield in the first leg of their semi-final encounter with the Spanish outfit.
And Thiago, a £20 million signing in 2020, played his role in that.
According to WhoScored, Thiago clocked a passing success percentage of 96.1 last night – and Owen has claimed that the numbers he pulls in this regard are simply ‘staggering’.
He told BT Sport: “He’s literally dictating the play. Long, short passes. His passing accuracy is staggering – 96% I’m told today.”
Epitomy
Thiago had a difficult first season at Liverpool.
It was plagued by a loss of fitness and form, to the point where some established pundits claimed that he doesn’t suit Klopp’s style at Anfield.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who joined from Bayern Munich, was accused of slowing down Liverpool’s attack, which seems bizarre when you consider that he’s now one of the German manager’s most important players.
One moment against Manchester City in the Premier League earlier this month epitomised Thiago.
After enduring a sluggish start to the game, the 30-year-old executed a 50-yard cross-field ball out of nowhere and seconds later, Liverpool were level after Kevin de Bruyne’s early opener.
That’s how vital the player is for Klopp and long may it continue.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
