Liverpool legend John Aldridge admits he's excited watching Thiago Alcantara.

Thiago looked bright off the bench against Chelsea, and performed strongly against Everton last weekend before picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw.

"He is a joy to watch, an artist on the ball," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I've seen great passers in a red shirt - Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, going back to Jan Molby who I played alongside, and this lad is right up there, you just want to see him getting on the ball all the time.

"He is a glorious, lovely footballer to watch and I think Liverpool fans are going to get a lot of enjoyment from him.

"He's had his injury problems in the past and the manager is going to have to nurse him through at times but I would say just sit back and enjoy this player."