‘Absolutely ran the game’: BBC pundit raves about Liverpool 30-year-old’s display against Norwich today

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Liverpool had to do it the hard way and come from behind against Norwich City today but they did just that and managed to run out 3-1 winners in the end.

Goals from the brilliant front three of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Luis Diaz, ensured the Reds continued their fine run of form and kept the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.

However, things might have been different had Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp not made some changes. During the game, he opted to bring on both Thiago and Divock Origi. Both players made a difference, with Origi acting as a useful focal point and Thiago bringing control to the midfield.

And watching on for BBC Sport, former England and Leeds defender, Jonathan Woodgate, admitted that the decision to bring Thiago on changed the game.

“It was difficult for Liverpool when Norwich went ahead, but Thiago absolutely ran the game after coming on. He quickened the pace and slowed it down when he wanted to. He made the difference. That change from Jurgen Klopp won them the game,” Woodgate said on the BBC live feed.

Thiago has not quite ever got going full since signing. A number of niggling injuries and the form of others has, at times, kept him out of the team. But the Spaniard did indeed show his class today.

TBR’s View: Klopp Deserves Credit For Changing The Game

Thiago was the man to bring real control to the game but Jurgen Klopp deserves the credit for recognising that such a change was needed.

Norwich were having a bit of joy and while Liverpool were always a threat, the chance of the Canaries netting a second goal on the break couldn’t be ruled out.

Thiago coming on changed that. He controlled the midfield and showed his world-class levels. The 30-year-old is still a quality operator and will have a key role to play this season.