The reason why Jurgen Klopp signed Fabinho has been disclosed.
Following the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2018, Liverpool were swift in their business by signing Fabinho from Monaco.
The Reds, who have not possessed a proper defensive midfielder since the departure of Javier Mascherano in 2010, managed to lure the former Real Madrid midfielder to their ranks. The Brazilian pinpointed the fantastic Champions League journey which took them to Kyiv as the major decision in signing for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards were also eyeing several other stars including, Jorginho and Lucas Torreira to solve deep-lying midfielder problem. The former was one of the best midfielders in the Serie A, and the Uruguayan was seen as one of the best talents from the Italian top-flight too.
Jorginho was close to signing for Manchester City before Maurizio Sarri took him to Chelsea last summer. He struggled under the Italian, but has shone in the early stages of his second season at the club. Lucas Torreira was scouted by plenty of clubs, but he chose to join Unai Emery’s new reign in the Emirates Stadium. Since his arrival from Italy, the former Sampdoria midfielder has been in and out of the side.
Fabinho took time to adapt to the new system and was kept out of the first-team action until November 2018. His meteoric rise has seen him become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
According to Athletic, Jurgen Klopp had a close eye on Fabinho, Jorginho, and Lucas Torreira for a brief spell, but chose to sign the former Monaco midfielder because of the much-needed physicality in the midfield department.
“He has ability and mentality to play at the highest level in a number of positions. He can play ‘6’, ‘8’ and ‘2’. This is cool.” said Jurgen Klopp of Fabinho upon signing for the club.
“He is tactically very strong and football smart. I think he improves our squad and there aren’t that many players you can say that about in this moment, because the quality we have already is so high.
“I like that he is young yet experienced also, with a high number of games at a club that compete to win. Also, international caps for Brazil tells you something about him.
“This signing gives us new opportunities and for that I am excited. I’m sure our supporters will make him very welcome and at home at our wonderful club and in our amazing city.” Klopp added.
Fabinho produced one of the best performances against Arsenal in the 3-1 victory on Saturday.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager hailed the Brazilian duo of Roberto Firmino and Fabinho following the victory over the Gunners.
He said: “Roberto Firmino what a player he is, unbelievable,”
“I am really happy with the performance. I did not see a bad player tonight or a player that played under his level. Fabinho played sensational.”
