Steve McManaman lauds Thiago Alcantara in Liverpool draw with Newcastle

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Steve McManaman has told BT Sport (broadcast on 24/4; 14:19) that Thiago Alcantara was his man of the match as the full-time whistle loomed during Liverpool’s draw with Newcastle United on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men made it two frustrating draws in the week in their latest clash at Anfield. The Reds conceded another late equaliser to throw away a win against the Magpies.

Joe Willock’s deflected strike came after Liverpool created more than enough good chances to win three or four games. Unfortunately for the home side, Mo Salah was the only one able to find the back of the net.

They had been dominant for the large majority of the contest. And McManaman suggested that he felt that Thiago was the best player on the pitch when asked to name his man of the match – admittedly, just before the equaliser came.

“I’m going to go for Thiago Alcantara,” he told BT Sport. “I thought his overall play was excellent today. Hardly gave a pass away. He started Liverpool’s good movements off, really decisive passing at times.”

As shown by Whoscored, Thiago completed 91 accurate passes. Only Gini Wijnaldum managed more.

He also managed six tackles – which was more than any other player on the pitch.

It has not been an easy first season in England for Thiago. However, it has been an incredibly difficult campaign for Liverpool, and there have still been moments when Thiago has shone.

And if he can end this season on a high, the supporters can perhaps be optimistic that he can really kick on during his second year on Merseyside.