Alan Shearer has insisted that Liverpool’s forwards will love playing with Fabinho after his masterclass v Manchester United.
The Brazil international was restored to Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI and was outstanding in central midfield as the hosts won 3-1 at Anfield against their bitter rivals.
Fabinho dominated in the centre of the pitch and set up the opening goal for Sadio Mane with a super chipped pass.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night about Fabinho, Shearer said: “If you’ve got a midfielder whose first thought is, ‘I’m going to pass it forward’, it makes my job as a forward so much easier knowing that pass is going to come in when I make the run.”
Fabinho's performance today ? #MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/YdGN26Xqr9
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 16, 2018
OPINION
Liverpool set a new benchmark with their performance on Sunday. United are accustomed to withstanding an early onslaught whenever they go to Anfield, and then hoping to wear down the hosts and feed off the impatience of the home crowd. But, there is a maturity and depth in Jurgen Klopp’s squad that has not been apparent in the past. Following Alisson’s goal gift, that had neutered the benefit of Mane’s brilliantly-worked opener, Liverpool were dominant. They could and should have scored more goals, but the balls kept dropping on the edge of the box to those, such as Georginio Wijnaldum, less able to capitalise on them. Fabinho was at the heart of the dominance of the home side. His ability to cover ground quickly, intercept, spot danger, win the ball and distribute it effectively adds a new dimension to the midfield. Few enforcers could have played the ball he did on to the chest of Mane to break the deadlock. You can bet your life Mane and company would love for the Brazilian to be remain in the starting XI against Wolves.