Thiago breaks Premier League record in just 45 MINUTES – but does Frank Lampard need to go all out for Declan Rice?

Thiago Alcantara enjoyed the dream debut for Liverpool as he broke a Premier League record during his side’s victory over Chelsea.

Sadio Mane’s brace sealed a 2-0 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge after Andreas Christensen’s ‘crazy’ red card and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s howler.

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Thiago Alcantara proved a class above Chelsea’s midfield on Sunday

And while Frank Lampard and the Chelsea fans will lament the personal mistakes which cost his side, Reds supporters will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing their No.6 in action.

A second half substitute after Christensen’s dismissal, it took the Spain international just 45 minutes to break a Premier League record.

Thiago completed 75 passes during his brief cameo, which was 16 more than any other Chelsea player on the pitch.

It is also the most successful passes completed by any player with a maximum of 45 minutes in the Premier League since records began in the 2003-04 season.

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Declan Rice could be the answer for Chelsea in midfield, or even at the back

This will no doubt annoy Lampard, who is still reportedly in the market to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The Blues midfield were unable to get close to Liverpool on the day and could have done with Rice’s tenacious play in the middle of the park – with the England midfielder making a whopping 116 tackles in the league last year.

Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge, which means Rice could well become Lampard’s eighth summer signing after his £200million summer splurge.

Thiago, a £20million signing from Bayern Munich, averaged a 91% pass completion over the last four seasons, having honed his skills at La Masia.

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The £20m summer signing from Bayern Munich proved insatiable

Following his education at Barcelona, the midfielder sought regular action after finding it difficult to dislodge one of Xavi, Andres Iniesta or Sergio Busquets.

Manchester United were seemingly in pole position to sign Thiago, but David Moyes sensationally pulled the plug on the deal and decided to sign Marouane Fellaini instead.

“Declan Rice can be the Michael Carrick of this era” - Jamie O'Hara urges Chelsea to sign West Ham star as N'Golo Kante replacement

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