OPINION
Some of Liverpool’s summer signings have certainly lived up to expectations so far this season, and they have undoubtedly made a huge difference already.
Those two players are goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Naby Keita, who have already taken the Premier League by storm with their impressive displays.
However, one summer signing who has not had his chance yet is Fabinho, who cost the Reds a reported £39.8million earlier this summer from Monaco.
Nevertheless, he certainly made a case for a league start in the imminent future by sending Jurgen Klopp a clear message after his display for Brazil in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA.
The 24-year-old started at right-back, which is the position which he started his Monaco career in before switching to defensive midfield.
Fabinho – who is on £130,000-a-week [Spotrac] – earned his fifth cap for his country in over two years, and he definitely indicated to Klopp that he means business.
It was the enforcer’s charge down the flank and a one-two with Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino that created the penalty which Neymar netted for Brazil’s second goal.
If this does not make a good case for Fabinho to earn a place in Klopp’s starting line-up, then nothing will.
He was calm and assured in his old position, and clearly demonstrated that he is able to cope with the pace of the Premier League by ensuring that the USA had a limited threat in attack.
Fabinho is now more than ready to cement his place in the starting line-up following this display, and there is no doubt that Klopp would have been paying close attention.
The likes of Jordan Henderson will be left sweating at Fabinho’s display, as it means that his place in the midfield could potentially be threatened by his reignited form.
He needs to start in their next clash with Tottenham, as he could certainly replicate what he showed in this international friendly.
