It’s probably come as a bit of a surprise to a quite a few Liverpool supporters that new summer signing Fabinho hasn’t been used as yet by Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League. It’s certainly surprised me that the Brazilian hasn’t been used in The Reds opening four league fixtures.

That being said, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.

The former AS Monaco man looks likely to play for his national team this weekend at right-back just to add to the confusion.

In truth Fabinho has been brought to Liverpool to shore up the midfield but coming from Ligue 1, it looks as though the German coach wants to get the Brazilian international up to speed when it comes to English football before throwing him into the starting eleven.

Reds boss Klopp used the same tactic last season with left-back Andrew Robertson. Even though the Scot had played in the Premier League previously with Hull City, Klopp kept him on the sidelines for much of the start of the last campaign as Andy got used to playing for a club the size of Liverpool and they style in which they played. It wasn’t until after the festive period before the Scottish international really cemented his place in the side.

Fabinho himself has suggested that he’s still getting to grips with his new environment:

“I’m aware it’s a different playing style than Monaco. There were two in midfield there whereas here at Liverpool there’s usually three.”

“My midfield partners have provided me with guidance and assistance. So have the defence. I knew it would change and I feel I’ve adapted well. You seek guidance from the other players around you and that’s worked really well and I feel my performances in pre-season were good.”

“Monaco had a transition similar to Liverpool.”

You then also have to remember that fellow midfielder Naby Keita has also arrived during the last offseason and he too needs to get used to life in the Liverpool midfield. We know that the Liverpool gaffer likes playing with three in midfield and he’s maybe hesitant in picking two newbies in there right from the get go.

Then you’ve got the form of veteran midfielder James Milner.

The energetic thirty-two year old has once again excelled in this campaign with his aggressive work ethic and his ability to get up and down the field. The former league winner has played in all four games so far this term. He’s scored and created two assists as well as having an impressive 88.6% passing success rate.

Klopp also knows what he’s getting with Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson. Both players give their all and offered everything to the Anfield club last season and Jurgen won’t want to see them become disillusioned and that might have happened had he dropped them for two new signings straight away.

I have no doubts that Fabinho will soon get his chance at Anfield.

When the Champions League campaign starts, then it will be all hands on deck and the Brazilian will be used to that arena. You also have to believe that when the bigger games come around then Fabinho’s defensive attributes will be a huge benefit to the club as will his set-piece skills.

It’s just a case of being patient and learning a lot from his training sessions.

Posted on September 6th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article