Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has been criticised for looking ‘like an old man’ when playing.
That is according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, who was speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast about the latest news and views from Anfield.
Jürgen Klopp’s side have endured a torrid start to the Premier League campaign, having only won two Premier League fixtures from a possible eight so far this season, placing themselves 10th in the league table.
The midfield has tended to be pinpointed as the weak area within the side, with Naby Keïta, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo all being unavailable through various injuries and suspensions.
And Bailey has been especially critical of Fabinho, saying that “he looks as old as James Milner”.
He said: “I think the midfield is a real issue. I think the defence is a bit poorish, susceptible; but they’re not protecting them.
“I think that’s a major issue. I think Fabinho – he’s only 28, but he looks as old as James Milner at the minute. I think he looks like an old man and he’s probably playing when he shouldn’t be.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments about Fabinho at Liverpool…
Whilst we think Bailey’s humorous comparison between Fabinho and Milner was meant as a light-hearted jibe at the £39m man, we do think that the Brazilian has been extremely poor this season.
The 28-time Brazil international has been below-par this season – especially in the Champions League, which is demonstrated by his average SofaScore match rating of 6.57 in the competition so far this season.
However, Fabinho’s honours and past performances speak for themselves, and we think that a spell out of the team may take the scrutiny away from the Brazilian and help him regain his form.