Ex-Arsenal superstar Martin Keown has heaped praise on new Liverpool signing Fabinho after his impressive display in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade and Cardiff City at the weekend.
Fabinho was Liverpool’s first signing of the summer transfer window after the Champions League final but the Brazilian midfielder has had to wait for his opportunity to shine ever since arriving at the club. The 25-year-old was superb for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco when he played a crucial part of the side in winning the French League and his dominant display was what the Reds enjoyed at Anfield after shelling out £40 million on his services.
Due to injuries for Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson, Fabinho was given the nod to start his first Champions League game for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Wednesday night. The Brazilian midfielder racked up 96 passes in that game and his tall figure allowed him to retrieve the ball six times in the air which helped shield his back line.
That dominant showing also gave Fabinho his first Premier League start against Cardiff City on the weekend and pundit Martin Keown believes that Liverpool has found an authoritative central midfielder in Fabinho.
While speaking to the Daily Mail, the 52-year-old former Englishman praised Fabinho’s authoritative nature and how he adds a different kind of style to Klopp’s style of play, “Fabinho also played well against Red Star, putting in some excellent tackles. He showed his authority in the Liverpool midfield. These two [Fabinho and Shaqiri] are creating real competition for the three midfield places at Anfield. Klopp now has plenty of options and when the squad players do well, it is beneficial for the whole group.”
Liverpool takes on Premier League rivals Arsenal in next weekend’s Premier League encounter hoping to hand the Gunners they’re first loss in 13 games.
