Thiago Alcantara has not had it all his own way since joining Liverpool.
He suffered an injury early in his time at the club, something that halted his early momentum at Anfield. It would also take him some time to get back into the swing of things after his return, although he would go on to be one of the club's most in-form players as they made an unlikely top four push towards the end of the campaign.
It was expected that that he would push things on this season, although yet another injury meant that was not possible.
Thiago has seen increased playing time over the last few fixtures as he makes his return to full fitness, something that paid dividends tonight.
The Spaniard was the senior figure in Liverpool's midfield for the game against Porto tonight, starting alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tyler Morton.
While the home side would struggle a bit in the first half, it was the midfielder who handed them the lead not long after the interval.
Thiago would break the deadlock in the game, producing a stunning long range strike. It was an absolute stunner.
Oh my, that is 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗕 from Thiago 🤩👏
What a way to take the lead 💥#LIVPOR #UCL pic.twitter.com/hbcoWCpY8i— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) November 24, 2021
This angle is even better.
𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙂𝙊𝘼𝙇. 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙎𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙇𝙀𝙎. 👌
Enjoy Thiago's finish, Liverpool fans? 🔴#LIVPOR #UCL pic.twitter.com/vn7u15eXku— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) November 24, 2021
Liverpool fans will be hoping that this is the start of a good run of form for the player, who will be key to the side's fortunes over the bust festive period.
Thiago certainly possesses qualities that nobody else in the Liverpool squad has, something that will prove to be important if the club are to challenge on both domestic and continental fronts this season. However, he will have to maintain his fitness and avoid the types of injuries that have plagued his time in England.
While goals are not the main part of his game, a few more contributions such as this one would be a nice bonus.
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