Fabinho has told Monday’s press conference – as per the Liverpool Echo – that Jurgen Klopp has given him “more confidence” and allowed him to join Liverpool’s attacking set-pieces. Beforehand, he was the last line of defence.
Coming into his fourth season at Anfield, 28-year-old Fabinho had only scored three goals in 122 games for the Reds. This season, the Brazil star has clocked up a huge six goals in just 31 games – a danger from set-pieces.
Indeed, the ex-Monaco man has three goals in his last six Premier League games – while he also got a brace against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup back in September. His importance has grown, despite being crucial already.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Inter Milan at Anfield in the Champions League, in which Liverpool already have a two-goal lead, the £39million (BBC) man has explained a change made by boss Klopp.
“The difference is that I am more often in the opposing box at set-pieces. Before that I was always the last man stopping the counter-attack, but the manager has given me more confidence. It’s good for me.
“I haven’t thought about scoring targets. But if I can score 10 it’ll be good. Is it gettable? Yes, because the team is scoring a lot of goals,” Fabinho told media on Monday, as per the Echo’s Ian Doyle.
Fabinho on goals: How many can Liverpool star score?
If you had been told that Fabinho had a real chance of achieving double digits come the end of the season, many Liverpool fans would have laughed. Now, on six goals with three in his last six in the Premier League, he could.
He is a real threat. His strength, combined with his aerial presence, is unwavering. It begs the question, why did Liverpool not take advantage of this in his first three seasons? But Klopp is right to make the change now.
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