Fabinho’s impressive performances since his arrival in The Reds’ first-team have prompted Jamie Carragher to say he is the best player in his position in the Premier League.
It was on Sky Sports after last Saturday’s 3-0 win at Burnley that Carragher made the claim regarding Fabinho’s ability. “I actually think he’s the best in the Premier League in that position,” said Liverpool’s former number 23.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com this week, Fabinho had a more understated view of his role in Jurgen Klopp’s eleven.
“We have our goalscorers in attack, so I try to do my bit defending and distributing.
“I’ve always liked to play in this position,” he smiles. “You get to participate a lot in the game and have an important role in the creation of play. On the defensive side of things, you have to be very alert to help the team.
“I try to remain calm with the ball at my feet, though not letting the calmness become slowness. I try to control the game.
“The style of our team is intensity – we try and apply maximum speed and pressure, that’s what we work towards. That’s why the group are always so well prepared physically to impose this rhythm in games.
“I can’t be left behind, you have to keep up with the rhythm of my teammates and maintain the high speed, pressure and intensity. That’s what I always aim to do.”
When asked about his very gradual introduction to the first-team upon his arrival in 2018, Fabinho had no qualms about Klopp’s methods.
“I now see that it was a good period for me to genuinely adapt. I’m really happy now and hope to adapt and improve even more.
“I’ve been feeling very comfortable here for some time now here at the club, in the city, with my teammates, my compatriots in particular.
“So I’m very happy here and really satisfied with my performances on the pitch as well.”
Fabinho has started three of Liverpool’s four league games so far this season. He was rested for the win at Southampton – a game which came just too soon after the team’s UEFA Super Cup exploits in Istanbul against Chelsea.
Next up for Liverpool and Fabinho is a visit from Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United on Saturday, September 14th.
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