LIVERPOOL debutant Thiago Alcantara shattered a Premier League passing record and shamed Chelsea’s flops in a 45-minute masterclass.
The £25million ex-Bayern Munich midfielder outpassed EVERY home player despite only playing the second half of Liverpool’s 2-0 win at the ten-man Blues.
New boy Thiago was an instant record-breaker for Liverpool with 75 passes as a second-half sub against ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Skipper Jordan Henderson went off injured at the interval, giving Thiago the chance he grabbed to shine on his Prem debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sadio Mane bagged his match-winning double soon after Thiago came on to complete 75 passes – more than any other Prem star in 45 minutes.
Champions League winner Thiago clicked instantly after replacing injured Reds skipper Jordan Henderson for the impressive champions.
And his tidy link-play contrasted with Chelsea’s woes.
Spain and ex-Barcelona star Thiago only tied up his switch from Bayern on Friday.
Although the 29-year-old conceded a penalty missed by Jorginho, he looked so at home in his first taste of Prem action that Jurgen Klopp’s men already look a better side with him in it.
In truth, Liverpool had a huge advantage once Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen had a yellow card upgraded to red by VAR in first-half stoppage time.
The Denmark ace hauled down goal-bound Mane.
And discontent among Chelsea fans watching at home soared over their own half-time substitution.
Boss Frank Lampard replaced £70m record buy Kai Havertz with defender Fikayo Tomori.
And many Blues’ supporters were baffled why Lamps left England midfielder Mason Mount on.
In contract, of course, Klopp passed his own test of tactical changes – thanks to fearless Thiago.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in good spirits looking forward to Thiago Alcantara signing
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
