‘Perfect’: BT pundit claims three Liverpool players were 10/10 last night, Crouch immediately agrees

Thu 28 April 2022 9:15, UK

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

BT Sport pundits Owen Hargreaves and Peter Crouch were blown away by Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho’s performance against Villarreal last night.

Liverpool went into the game as the favourites and got the job done. However, it wasn’t easy as Unai Emery’s men sat back and frustrated the Reds for long periods of the game.

An own goal from Pervis Estupiñán followed by an excellent finish by Sadio Mane gave the hosts a 2-0 win and a big advantage going into the second leg at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Owen Hargreaves branded the performances of Liverpool’s three midfielders as ‘perfect,’ and Peter Crouch immediately agreed with him.

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Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson were perfect for Liverpool vs Villarreal

Speaking on right after the game, Hargreaves said, as quoted by : “Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson is perfect. It is complete control. Thiago has been the best player on the pitch tonight.”

Crouch responded by saying: “Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson were unbelievable.”

The ex-Liverpool striker then went on to shower praise on Thiago: “I think sometimes those stats can be misleading, you know the 96, 98% – from players that give it 5-10 yards, y’know?

“Players that win the ball and then give it to someone who can play. He wins the ball and he’s hitting 30-40 yard passes, or he’s playing short or he’s playing it through the lines with the eyes. And he’s still got that percentage of pass completion.

“He’s not just someone that passes sideways and backwards; he creates things, but the passes are completed every time. He’s gone up a few levels in the last few games no doubt.”

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Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

A look at Thiago’s stats last night

Many people completely disregarded Thiago’s class after his difficult first year in the Premier League. The Spanish magician is now proving all his critics wrong.

After a truly stunning display against Manchester United last week, Thiago dominated the game again yesterday. He barely put a foot wrong and his numbers back that claim.

In his 90 minutes on the pitch last night, the Spaniard had 119 touches of the ball and completed 99 of his 103 attempted passes, maintaining a stunning 96% passing accuracy. He also completed every single one of his nine attempted long balls, and was successful with 34 passes into the final third.

Thiago also won back possession on 10 occasions and also won three duels, which is a very impressive return. ()