‘I’d worry about him’: BBC pundit will be concerned if 27-year-old starts for Liverpool

Follow us on Google Discover

Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he is worried about Liverpool’s Fabinho against Sheffield United.

Fabinho slotted into Liverpool’s central defence against Ajax in midweek, with Virgil van Dijk injured.

The Brazilian looked supremely assured in Holland, as Liverpool got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.

However, Lawrenson feels like tougher tests will lie ahead for Fabinho.

And he thinks that Sheffield United could look to target him aerially at the weekend.

“With Virgil van Dijk injured, Fabinho played well at centre-back against Ajax on Wednesday night but I think it will be harder for him if he stands in again there on Saturday,” he said.

“Fabinho will be fine in open play, it is from set-pieces where I’d worry about him. Van Dijk was such a massive influence when it came to defending corners and free-kicks – he basically had a magnet on his head.

“Sheffield United will be trying to test Liverpool in those situations, especially with Adrian in goal.”

Liverpool weren’t tested much aerially in Holland, as Ajax promote a very patient approach.

Sheffield United are likely to be more direct, and Fabinho could face a slightly different test, especially if Oliver McBurnie is selected to start.

If Liverpool do win this weekend they could actually move up to the top of the Premier League table, despite all their current injury problems.