Downes on a high after being taught valuable lesson in Thiago masterclass

A FEW eyebrows were raised when David Moyes chose Anfield and a revitalised Liverpool as the ideal setting and host for Flynn Downes's first Premier League start.

- Malik Ouzia at Anfield

By half-time, though, it all made sense: not much could be better for a young midfielder's development than the chance to watch, up close, Thiago Alcantara in this kind of form.

Darwin Nunez and goalkeeper Alisson were Liverpool's heroes on the night, the former scoring what turned out to be the only goal after 22 minutes and the latter making a fine penalty save from Jarrod Bowen, but it was Thiago, stationed midway between the pair, that ran the game and, at least until he was replaced just before the hourmark, had the home side playing with some of their old swagger.

The Spaniard's career record will tell you he is the kind of player who elevates those around him and, invariably, when he plays well so too do Liverpool.