Michael Owen lavishes praise on Thiago after Liverpool’s FA Cup victory over Aston Villa

Substitute Thiago dazzled for the Reds (Picture: Getty Images)

Michael Owen has heaped praise on Thiago for his impressive 45-minute cameo in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over a youthful Aston Villa side in their FA Cup third-round clash at Villa Park.

Villa had to field a team of academy players with no first-team experience after an outbreak of coronavirus at the club.

14 members of senior staff, including nine players, tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, prompting the entire first team to be put into isolation.

Mane grabbed a brace for the Reds (Picture: Getty Images)

Despite Liverpool going 1-0 up after just four minutes through Sadio Mane, Villa’s youngsters held their own in the first half with Louie Barry equalising shortly before half-time.

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Thiago came on for captain Jordan Henderson at the break and once again showcased his masterful quality with the ball at his feet.

Goals from Georginio Wijnaldum, Mohamed Salah and another header from Mane sealed Liverpool’s place in the FA Cup fourth round.

Spaniard Thiago served up an excellent no-look pass in the build-up to Salah’s goal as well as crashing an effort against bar.

The 29-year-old’s playing time since arriving at Anfield from Bayern Munich in the summer has been limited due to injury, but Owen is in no doubt of the midfielder’s class.

‘This fella just makes me want to watch football 24 hours a day,’ the ex-Liverpool striker told BT Sport.

More: Liverpool FC

‘The way he looks around, the way he gives it the eyes.

‘There’s nobody in the Premier League, nobody that plays like him.

‘He’s playing a different type of game than everyone else. His disguise on passes is unbelievable.’

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