‘8/10’, ‘wowed the crowd’: Media thought £25m Liverpool player was truly ‘excellent’ v Watford today

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Liverpool temporarily went top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds, who trailed Manchester City by 14 points in mid-January, are now snapping at their heels.

Liverpool made it 10 consecutive Premier League wins as they beat Watford 2-0 in the day’s early kickoff.

Diogo Jota got the Reds’ first goal in the 22nd minute, meeting Joe Gomez’s cross from the right with a header.

Liverpool dominated proceedings for most of the game but lacked the cutting edge to go out of sight.

Indeed, the Reds endured a few scares, with Juraj Kucka and Joao Pedro both coming close for the Hornets.

In the end, a penalty put Liverpool out of reach, as Kucka brought Jota down in the box.

A VAR review led to the referee pointing to the spot, and Fabinho duly converted from 12 yards.

It was a mixed display from the Reds – some players shone, while others struggled.

Thiago Alcantara was one of the best Liverpool performers on the day.

“The standout performer”

Several media outlets waxed lyrical about the Spaniard after the game, giving him high ratings.

The Liverpool Echo gave Thiago 8/10 and wrote: “Wowed the crowd with one no-look pass for Jones.

“Close with volley from range and passing pulled Watford all over the place. Excellent. Subbed.”

TheHardTackle also went with 8/10 and even deemed the £25million ace their man of the match.

“Thiago was, by far, the standout performer on Saturday,” they wrote.

“He circulated possession brilliantly and opened up play nicely with several long passes.

“The Spanish international held the ball well when Liverpool charged forward and played several key passes.

“Thiago also put in the hard yards off the ball, completing five tackles while winning seven duels.

“Klopp needs Thiago at his best.”

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk went against the grain somewhat, giving Thiago 6/10.

“A composed presence for Liverpool in midfield with delicate touches and a range of effective passing,” they wrote.

“Failed with a few shooting opportunities.”