Micah Richards has told Match of the Day that Thiago Alcantara was simply “unplayable” on Tuesday as Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 win over hapless Manchester United at Anfield. Thiago was superb in the middle of the park.
Thiago, who turned 31 earlier this month, has endured a bit of a stop-start spell at Liverpool since joining the club for £25million (Sky). But he has now clocked up 60 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s outfit.
Starting to show real understanding alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, Thiago arguably produced his best in a Liverpool shirt so far. Manchester United were the victims, looking like a side already beaten.
Indeed, Ralf Rangnick’s men look as if they cannot wait for the season to end. Top four seems out of sight with Spurs and Arsenal battling ahead of them. Richards was stunned by Thiago, branding him “unplayable”.
Klopp used the word sensational and in the first 45 minutes, he was just unplayable. The weight of ball, he can do it all,” Richards said in his analysis on Match of the Day, which aired on BBC One at 10.30pm on Wednesday.
“The Manchester United midfield didn’t know whether to go with him. The technique, the pace he hits his passes at. I’ve seen many midfield performances, but this is one of the best.”
Richards on Thiago: Liverpool star is back to his Bayern best
There have been glimpses of it this season, after his first campaign which was full of injury, a lack of momentum and even a positive test. This time around, he is consistent, and has a better understanding of the system.
He is getting back to the level of form that saw him considered as one of the best midfielders in European football, when at Bayern. If he can keep this level up between now and the summer, Liverpool will win trophies.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
