Fabinho’s noticeable drop-off in form has gone under the radar at Liverpool, but it is playing a part in their current slump.
There was a point earlier in the season when the Brazilian was arguably as important as anyone, performing superbly in the No.6 role.
He was peerless in all facets of his play, whether it be his quality on the ball, his ability to cover ground or his world-class positional sense.
Then he picked up an injury against Napoli in November – a moment that was seen as potentially disastrous in Liverpool’s quest for Premier League title glory.
Fabinho’s absence meant putting Jordan Henderson back into a deeper role he had proved divisive in previously, and it left what looked like a gaping void in the Reds’ midfield.
Liverpool won every single league game without the 26-year-old, however, which was testament to the squad depth Klopp has built, and especially the form of Henderson, who impressed in the new role.
Ironically, it is since Fabinho’s return that the Reds often haven’t looked the same side, not helped by Henderson currently being out with an injury of his own.
The Fabinho we have seen since coming back is a shadow of the dominant figure who bullied opponents back in the autumn, with heavy legs and rustiness on the ball both on show.
That was never more evident than in Saturday’s wretched 3-0 loss away to Watford, when the Brazil international was one of his team’s poorest players, on an evening when almost everyone struggled.
He was anonymous throughout the contest, allowing the likes of Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure to run the show.
That No.6 position is such a vital area of the pitch in terms of influence, as Fabinho and Henderson have shown this season, and Liverpool badly need the former to return to his best there.
There is no need to panic, of course – Fabinho is simply taking a while to find his feet after injury – but with cup competitions and big league games around the corner, the Reds can’t afford him to be as cumbersome as he has looked in recent times.
He is an outstanding footballer, but he has looked a long way from that in the nine appearances since coming back into the team.
