Thiago Alcantara returned to Liverpool's starting XI against Ajax and helped the team secure a priceless 2-1 victory.Jurgen Klopp's side don't have a competitive fixture until October 1st when they play Brighton in the Premier League, so it was imperative they claimed a win on Tuesday evening before their extended break.It required a late, late goal from Joel Matip for Liverpool to bag all three points, but in the end the job was done.Thiago's return to the starting lineup seemed to elevate the quality levels of everyone around him and that's exactly why the Merseyside club were so desperate to sign him from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020.Everything the Spaniard produced against Ajax had a touch of class about it. He completed more passes than any other player on the pitch with 89% accuracy, was successful with every single long pass he attempted, completed all of his dribbles, won seven duels and created one chance.No wonder he received a standing ovation from those at Anfield when he was replaced by 17-year-old Stefan Bajcetic in stoppage-time, eh?It really was a midfield masterclass from Thiago and as such, a video of his individual highlights from the win over Ajax has attracted a lot of attention over on Twitter.

Check out the footage...

Video: Thiago's marvellous highlights vs Ajax

What. A. Performance.

The Ajax midfielders just couldn't get near him for the most part and it's probably safe to say that at this moment in time, Thiago is Liverpool's most important player.

Here's how some fans reacted to the former Barcelona man's stunning display...

Even Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder was impressed by Thiago's dazzling performance under the lights at Anfield.

He said in a post-match interview: “Thiago was an extra weapon on the midfield and he could switch the play. It’s a top team. It’s not for nothing they are the favourites in this group.”

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand also singled out Thiago for praise in his post-match analysis.

"He came on late against Napoli and he was the only one that got any good press," the Manchester United icon said. "It’s not praise but positive words from the manager, stepping forward, stepping onto the opponents and that’s what he done today.

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"Jurgen Klopp’s team, how they play against people, in people’s face and play the ball forward, he epitomised that today."

If Thiago can remain fit for the majority of the 2022/23 season, which is sadly anything but a given, Liverpool may still enjoy a degree of success despite their lacklustre start.

But without him in the team, you do fear for the Reds on all fronts...