Fabinho ready to fight for his place in the team

Fabinho ready to fight for his place in the team

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho says he is willing to fight for his place in the team this season, with the competition for places being so strict in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

The Brazilian signed for Liverpool this summer for a fee of around £40m, one of the first major signings of the window. He’s been tipped as the defensive midfielder the Reds have been craving for years, and there’s huge excitement surrounding his forthcoming debut.

He was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over West Ham in their Premier League opener, and it has raised questions about whether he will be a constant starting figure at the club this season.

Liverpool’s midfield is packed with talent, with James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson all battling for places with Fabinho.

However, the 24-year-old admitted he is up for the challenge, and knew that there would be strong competition.

He told Premier League Productions: “When I came to Liverpool I knew this competition would exist in midfield and I think it’s really good for the team.

“If anything happens to a player, there’s adequate cover. During pre-season I played alongside a variety of different players and we blended really well. So, overall, I think it’s a good thing for the team.”

Fabinho was involved in all nine of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies, and he believes he has made a positive start to life at the club.

“I think my performances have been good,” he added. “It’s a different playing style than at Monaco; there were two of us in midfield there and here at Liverpool there’s three.

“My midfield partners have given me guidance and assistance, as have the defence. I knew (my role) would change and I feel I’ve adapted well.

“You seek guidance and help from the players around you and that has worked really well up until now. It has been really good since I arrived here.

“The players and the coaching staff have been brilliant. I have been able to fit in really well with the club, the training and games we’ve played have been good.”