Liverpool fans were quite nervous when they heard that all three of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Virgil Van Dijk were unavailable for the club’s first team tie against FC Bayern Munich.
The level of nervousness was raised when the fans saw Fabinho partner Joel Matip against the likes of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez. But to everyone’s surprise, this partnership managed to keep the Bayern attack at bay.
Especially Fabinho who was immense for Liverpool. This defensive duo kept a clean sheet against one of the top sides in Europe. More importantly, Liverpool did not feel much about Van Dijk’s absence on the field. Fabinho and Matip controlled the game perfectly in Van Dijk’s absence.
Fabinho Finding his Feet
Slow Start to Liverpool Career
The fans were surprised when the club signed Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from AS Monaco last summer. Without leaking any transfer information, Liverpool swiftly concluded this deal without the media and journalist getting involved in it.
The Brazilian replaced Emre Can in the Liverpool team who left the club on a free transfer to Italian champions Juventus. Emre Can be a crucial member of Klopp’s Liverpool team. Fabinho has had a heavy task on his shoulders replacing Emre Can. The No.6 role is one of the most important positions for Liverpool’s team. Many players have struggled to play this position perfectly for Liverpool.
Fabinho had a struggling start to the season. He was not able to cope up with Liverpool’s high-pressing game. He was caught ball-watching many times. The defensive midfielder was constantly benched by Jurgen Klopp who said that the Brazilian was ‘not ready yet’ to play for the club.
Klopp said that the player was still adapting to Liverpool’s style of play. Fabinho had to wait long to get his first real chance with the first team. He was deployed by Klopp against Red Star Belgrade when the Serbian club visited Anfield. Fabinho was Liverpool’s man of the match for that game. He was worth-the-wait.
Today, after just two months after getting his first real opportunity, the Brazilian has established himself as an indispensable asset in this Liverpool team.
Settling in Well
Fabinho has become one of the most important players for Klopp now. The Brazilain keeps Liverpool in a great shape even when the team is attacking. He acts like a glue sticking the entire team together on the field. The midfielder is seen all over the pitch.
The 25-year-old is a great tackler of the ball. He is the player who soaks up all the pressure. Playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, the Brazilian is the second calmest person on the ball after the Dutchman. His last-ditch interceptions and his presence at the right place, at the right time, has been crucial for Liverpool this season.
The former Monaco man’s presence on the pitch makes the team look more systematic and in control. He is the player who dictates Liverpool play and has the ability to change defence into attack in a matter of seconds.
He is tall, strong and not afraid to dive into tackles. The midfielder is very confident on the ball. He is a good distributor of the ball. The Brazilian pours in long balls from the midfield to the wide players. He showcased his ball -playing ability to the Anfield crowd when he set up Sadio Mane with a lob over the Manchester United defence during Liverpool’s first goal.
A few weeks later, Fabinho went on to score his first Liverpool goal. The Brazilian headed in Salah’s corner at the near post to score Liverpool’s fourth goal against Newcastle. The team looks much stronger now with Fabinho in it.
Although he took some time to settle, he was definitely worth the wait. His presence in the team is invaluable in terms of all the things he brings to the side. The Liverpool fans will be soon making a chant for this Brazilian.
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