Fabinho: The missing piece In Klopp’s puzzle
On May 28, out of nowhere, Liverpool signed Monaco midfielder Fabinho for a deal worth £40 million. Just two days after the devastating Champions League loss, Fabinho’s arrival helped cheer up the mood amongst the fan base.
His signing was a source of happiness at a time of despair. His arrival immediately got fans in a good mood and excited for the next season and rightfully so. The proper defensive midfielder the club has been crying out for years now.
But fast forward seven games into the season and the Brazilian has only played about a minute, just recently making his debut against PSG. But there’s no need to worry at all, Fabinho will make his first start soon and when he does he will prove to be the final piece that this squad has needed to truly challenge for titles.
Jürgen Klopp has taken the same approach with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andy Robertson last season. They didn’t come into the side until they fully understood and were ready for what Klopp wanted them to do and adjust to the way Liverpool played. Only until then did they finally become key members of the squad, both playing an integral role in Liverpool’s campaign.
Fabinho over the last few years has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Staring in the Monaco side that won the league and reached the Champions League semifinals, Fabinho has been hot property ever since. So for Liverpool to get this signature out of nowhere was a massive coup. And when he finally does start getting a few games under his belt he will prove to be the final piece that Klopp has been looking for.
It’s been over a decade since Liverpool have had a proper “destroyer” at the base of their midfield. Not since the days of Javier Mascherano has someone had the traits that Fabinho possesses. Since the Argentine left Anfield back in 2010, we’ve had the likes of Lucas, Steven Gerrard and current captain Jordan Henderson deployed as the “6”. All good players, but none the typical defensive midfielder. Fabinho will bring something to Liverpool that has been long desired.
Fabinho is great at winning the ball back and starting attacks. The 24-year-old is quick and agile, able to keep up with most attackers and despite is shinny physique he is quite strong on the ball. At 6’2” Fabinho is also an amazing header of the ball.
Fabinho’s stats compare quite favourably to those of other top defensive midfielders in the league. When comparing Liverpool’s new signing to N’golo Kanté, Nemanja Matic and Fernandinho, both in attack and defence Fabinho impresses.
Last season Fabinho made 27 key passes, only behind Kanté’s 36. He created 30 chances, again just behind Kanté’s 37. Fabinho won 56 tackles, 19 more than next best Matic, but again second to Kanté.
The Brazilian also came second in clearances with 59 compared to Fernandinho’s 68. But Fabinho tops the charts in assists with three, goals scored with six, aerial duels won with 65.81%, blocks with 11 and no defensive errors while the other three made two each.
Since the turn of the year, Liverpool have boasted the best defence in the league and Fabinho’s introduction to the side will just help aid that. With Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson at fullback, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk in the centre and the former Monaco man offering that defensive screen in front of them, Liverpool have one of the best defensive units in the league without a doubt.
Liverpool’s midfield has been exceptional his season with Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keïta all competing for places. Fabinho will give the side another level of defensive stability but also possesses the ball-playing ability of a midfielder who normally plays further forward. He does all the defensive work you would expect him to do, but that doesn’t hinder his attacking ability.
A very well rounded number six and perfect for Klopp’s team, Liverpool have added some very important players to the squad in the last year and Fabinho will prove to be just as influential. He is something that Klopp’s side has been crying out for some time now. When Klopp sees fit Fabinho will put his stamp on the team and make this Liverpool side even better than they already are.