What Thiago Alcantara does that still surprises Liverpool team-mates

Joe Gomez admits Thiago Alcantara's passing range takes even his Liverpool team-mates by surprise - as he expressed his goal to win a place in the England World Cup squad.

Thiago was the stellar performer as the Reds kept up their pursuit of leaders Manchester City by securing a 10th successive Premier League win with a 2-0 triumph over Watford at Anfield on Saturday.

The Spaniard prompted appreciation from the home crowd with some of his distribution and was involved in the build-up for the opening goal in which Gomez crossed for Diogo Jota to head home midway through the first half.

And Gomez said: "It's a special team and Thiago is one of many, we have so much talent in this team. Sometimes I don't see (the pass), even if you are receiving them you get surprised when it comes your way.

"But that's one of his qualities, breaking lines and advancing us. Always looking to play a forward pass is one of his top attributes. We have such a strong midfield."

The assist was only Gomez's fifth of his Liverpool career and his first in the Premier League since his pass found Mohamed Salah to score a Puskas award-winning strike against Everton in December 2017.

And while again deputising at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold - who was on the bench on Saturday - the defender said: "I won't get ahead of myself! I try and listen to the coaching staff and be in a position to support offensively as well.

"Jots said to me in the dressing room (that I would get) an assist or maybe he spoke it into existence! It's about doing the best for the team and trying to work as a collective to get the three points whatever the game requires tactically. There were opportunities out wide and we used it well."

Liverpool, who remain a point