The Liverpool player was phenomenal in his role in the number 6 spot
Even before Liverpool got underway in their contest against RB Leipzig, Liverpool supporters were elated with the playing 11 announced. With Fabinho slotting back into his preferred midfield role, the club’s faithful supporters were quietly confident of safeguarding their 2-0 lead in the round of 16 affair.
And their jubilations were proved right with Fabinho showing his mettle in his innate position. The Liverpool midfielder was a rock in the number 6 role as he put in a man of the match role, one which saw him provide much needed solidarity and stability to his side’s relatively inexperienced and new look CB pairing.
Dispelling everything RB Leipzig had to throw his way, Fabinho did the dirty work at the back as he closed the ball with ease. And Liverpool’s head honcho, Klopp was quick to allude towards the gargantuan performance delivered by the Brazilian player.
Klopp Reveals Talks With Fabinho
Speaking about Fabinho ensuing his side’s 2-0 win, Klopp also went onto divulge the positional talk he had held with the player.
“I told him on the way downstairs, ‘you like the position six more then’? He said, ‘yeah’, and you couldn’t show it more clearly,” said the Liverpool manager.
“We all want Fab on the six. Tonight he played there and the two centre-halves played an incredible game, to be honest.
“It was my hope for the season and during the season but it didn’t happen so we have to see what solutions we can find for the next few games.
“Of course, number six is his best position, he is one of the best in the world in that position that is clear: not only defending-wise but creating as well.”
Michael Owen also talked about the player’s performance on the night.
“It is so comforting watching him,” Owen said. “When he is in the middle you feel safe.
“It is so comforting having him back in his right position. It is just how you want a sitting midfielder, he covers the back two which is the weak part of the team.”
Fabinho not only himself delivered a crucial performance but also managed to extract the best out of Thiago. With him shifting into his traditional role, Thiago was accorded a free hand to express himself freely on the pitch, freedom which saw the midfielder up the ante and showcase the reason for Liverpool indulging in his services.
