Slotting in at the heart of the Reds backline as a makeshift option allowed Fabinho to become a better player, according to the Brazil international who believes Jurgen Klopp can entrust him more with a change in his role on the pitch.
Injury crisis at Anfield forced Fabinho’s positional change
Fabinho was drafted by the Reds gaffer as the centre-back option for the injury-ravaged Merseysiders with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined with season-ending injury layoffs.
The former AS Monaco man, however, garnered plaudits for his impressive run of showings in an unusual role for him as he marshalled the Liverpool FC backline in the colossal absence of Van Dijk.
Fabinho speaks out on taking a leadership role in Henderson’s absence
In an interview with Liverpool FC’s official website, the Brazillian details the importance of taking on a leader-like role in the Reds dressing room in the wake of injuries to skipper Jordan Henderson and Van Dijk.
“I learn and improve a lot in this position,” Fabinho said.
“I think this helped me to be a better player and now the manager knows he can count on me in another position.
“As well, I had to be more [of a] leader than normal because we lost Hendo, we lost Virgil. So, on the pitch we had to step up and be a leader as well.
“I tried to be a leader as well, of course – I have to improve a lot in this role as well. But I think I learned a lot in this season and I improved in a lot of aspects.”
Player glad to return to his preferred midfield role
Returning to the midfield spot has delighted the Liverpool FC man with a large chunk of the ongoing campaign having witnessed Fabinho as a makeshift central defender for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
He maintains that despite enjoying the make-do role for the Reds, the middle of the park remains his pick of the bunch.
“It’s good to be back in the midfield.”
“I really enjoy playing as a centre-back but midfield is my position. So if I can be important for the team in this position as well, I will give my best.”
