---
title: "Micah Richards lauds Fabinho as ‘number one’ defensive midfielder"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/micah-richards-lauds-fabinho-as-number-one-defensive-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-04-29T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-29T11:00:00Z"
---

# Micah Richards lauds Fabinho as ‘number one’ defensive midfielder

Former Premier League and England defender Micah Richards has hailed [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/29/danny-murphy-uses-mohamed-salah-to-rubbish-price-tag-claims/) star [Fabinho](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/03/03/jurgen-klopp-confirms-he-is-considering-playing-fabinho-back-in-midfield/) as the ‘number one’ defensive midfielder in world football.

The Brazilian has been one of those [utilised in the centre of defence](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fabinho-reveals-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-position-change) this season as Jurgen Klopp has been forced to rejig his options due to injuries.

However, having recently [returned to his prominent number six role](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/10/fabinho-back-in-his-rightful-midfield-role-liverpool-leipzig-champions-league) at the base of the Reds midfield, the 27-year-old has once again proven his [immense quality](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/115916/Show/Fabinho).

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final clash with Chelsea, Richards told [CBS Sports on Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/intl/) that Fabinho remains at the top of the pile in his position.

> I think when we are talking about defensive midfielders then Fabinho would be my number one. But he’s (Casemiro) not far behind.

The £43.7m signing from Monaco back in 2018 ([Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/11388598/liverpool-sign-fabinho-in-43-7m-deal-from-monaco)) has been an instrumental cog in Klopp’s side since his arrival – his importance in midfield perhaps underpinned by Liverpool’s [wretched record](https://twitter.com/JCuzzy1/status/1386240825538011136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1386240825538011136%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.empireofthekop.com%2F2021%2F04%2F29%2Ffabinho-in-defence-v-midfield-stats-are-alarming-play-him-as-our-anchorman-and-be-done-with-it%2F) without the Brazilian in his favoured position.

All told this term Fabinho has [played 37 matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabinho/leistungsdaten/spieler/225693) in all competitions – earning an average[Sofascore rating of 7.02](https://www.sofascore.com/player/fabinho/243585) during his Premier League outings.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

There’s little doubt Liverpool have sorely missed the [12-cap Brazil star](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabinho/nationalmannschaft/spieler/225693/verein_id/3439) at times this campaign.

Alongside captain Jordan Henderson, Fabinho has [forged a superb understanding with his midfield colleagues](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fabinho-jordan-henderson-quality-20313214) and one that Reds will hope can return in full swing next season when injuries eventually subside.

Although his performances at centre-back have been [admirable](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fabinho-klopp-centre-backs-19653839), the protection he offers as well as the ability to get Liverpool back on the front foot has been a huge loss.