OPINION
It’s too early to say it’s now or never for Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, but the Brazil international needs to take advantage of the injury suffered by James Milner on Sunday.
The Englishman came off with a hamstring tear against Manchester City at Anfield, and the Telegraph has reported that Milner is expected to return within a month.
The 32-year-old has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp this season, and Fabinho must ensure that he is the man to take the veteran’s place in central midfield.
The 6ft 2in Brazilian [Source: Transfermarkt] has struggled to get his Liverpool career off the ground since his mega money move from Monaco this summer, making just three appearances in all competitions so far and none in the Premier League. To this day the 24-year-old has not played a minute of league football for the Reds.
The delay in his emergence at Anfield has been surprising considering what a powerhouse Fabinho was for Monaco. He made 46 appearances for the French side last term, but he’s taken some time to get used to Klopp’s style of football.
However, with Milner now facing a period out of the team Fabinho must use the international break to get some first team football for his country and return to Merseyside ready to make an impact in Liverpool’s starting eleven.
The former Monaco man is a wonderfully talented player, as equally destructive defensively as he is dangerous going forward, and he’ll be a valuable asset to Klopp once he’s up to speed.
Naby Keita hasn’t looked as good in recent weeks as he did in the early stages of his Reds tenure, and so Fabinho can take this opportunity to elbow ahead of the Guinea midfielder in the pecking order.
Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum will surely feature in the midfield three moving forward, but Fabinho can ensure he’s the third man in the middle of the park.
If he doesn’t, it could be a long way back for him at Anfield. He’s in danger of becoming an afterthought at the club, as Klopp continues to prefer other players to him.
Milner’s misfortune has presented the Brazilian with an opportunity, he needs to take it if he is ever to fulfil his potential with the Merseyside giants.
