OPINION
Jurgen Klopp has adapted Liverpool into a different machine during his four years at Anfield.
His fast-paced style is reliant on keeping hold of the ball, which allows his full-backs to get forward at speed to give opposing defences an extra problem to solve.
The holding midfielder is a key component of that game plan, with that player expected to anchor more forward-thinking runners, and pivot with the ball to keep possession.
Fabinho played the role perfectly throughout the last campaign for the Reds, averaging 57.5 passes per game in the heart of midfield. [WhoScored]
During pre-season, Adam Lallana has been introduced to the role and Klopp has revealed the England international enjoys the role – while joking that Juventus could make an offer if they watch him play.
The German told Sky Sports: “Adam is the kind of player he can play that and he enjoys this ‘Jorginho’ role – I hope Maurizio Sarri doesn’t see the games or he will make an offer.”
Klopp is surely overreaching a bit, with Lallana certainly all but set for an extended stay on the Liverpool bench should he remain at Anfield this summer.
Fabinho is much better suited to the role and comparing their stats via WhoScored only proves that Lallana shouldn’t expect much next season.
The Brazilian more than doubled the number of passes per game, proving that he shows for the ball much more. This would have led to Liverpool keeping hold of the ball and launching continuous waves of attack.
Despite making considerably more passes in each outing, the 25-year-old also had a better success rate, with Lallana misplacing more passes.
The deep-lying playmaker role also relies on the midfielder to offer defensive strength to his defenders behind him.
This is where the £110,000 per-week midfielder [Spotrac] would struggle with the physical capabilities needed to succeed in this role. The 31-year-old made on average fewer tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks – all stats that help your side earn back possession as quickly as possible.
Klopp is surely kidding himself if he believes Lallana holds a future as the deep-lying playmaker at Anfield, with Fabinho set to continue his rich vein of form from last season.
