Fabinho didn’t produce his greatest performance for Liverpool against Manchester United, much like the vast majority of his teammates.
The Brazilian was still noticeable in the middle of the park, though, using his physicality to good effect and growing in stature as the match wore on.
One of Fabinho’s standout moments came in the second half, as he crashed into United forward Daniel James.
It could be viewed as retaliation to what was perceived as playacting earlier in the game, although the Wales winger may still have been hurt, it must be stressed.
These Liverpool supporters loved Fabinho challenge on Twitter, hailing his influence.
https://twitter.com/arreeeff/status/1186202718060216321?s=20
https://twitter.com/arditxgola/status/1185992124610859010?s=20
Solid challenging great to watch 👌🏼
— george (@GeorgeDillan42) October 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/BanterFC5/status/1186038343924092929?s=20
Read Liverpool Verdict
Liverpool have lacked a bit of nastiness in their midfield for too long, perhaps since the days of Javier Mascherano.
Fabinho is a wonderful addition in that respect, however – he is also a fantastic footballer – using his frame to out-muscle opponents and rarely allowing himself to be bullied in the middle of the park.
This is in no way wishing injury on any player, but the 25-year-old’s challenge was a moment that showed that Liverpool were up for the fight.
It was hard but fair, in many ways.
