TV pundit Paul Merson says he has been proven wrong by Liverpool midfielder Fabinho after his standout performances for the Reds this season.

The former Gunners star wasn’t entirely sure about the Brazilian after he first arrived from Monaco for £40m in 2018, but he has now been won over by the 26-year-old’s imperious displays in the middle of the park:

“At first I wasn’t [convinced] when he came from Monaco. Now, I think he’s absolutely outstanding, I think he’s one of the first players on the team-sheet.”

Fabinho took his time to settle at Anfield and he only made his Premier League debut three months into last season. Manager Jurgen Klopp said that the midfielder needed time to adapt to Liverpool’s system.

The Brazilian international played as one of two holding midfielders at his previous club Monaco, and it took him a while before he was comfortable with his new role.

Fabinho isn’t the quickest but his anticipation, strength and tackling ability, combined with his passing range, make him an invaluable player for the Reds. He has started 11 of Liverpool’s 13 league fixtures this campaign.