Fabinho joined Liverpool during the summer transfer window, following an impressive spell with Monaco. During his time with the Ligue 1 club, Fabinho helped the club to defy the odds and win the French top-flight title during the 2016-17 season, as well as reach the Champions League semi-finals during that same year.
The Brazilian could easily walk into the starting XI of most top-flight club’s in World football and most Liverpool fans were excited to have a player of his talent within their squad.
However, it was also known that competition for places in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is tough, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Gini Wijnaldum all at his disposal.
Fabinho was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 4-0 demolition of West Ham and many fans would have expected him to make his competitive debut during the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Monday. Liverpool went on to win the game through a successful penalty conversion from James Milner during the 45th minute and a late goal during second half stoppage time from the prolific Sadio Mane.
During the game against Crystal Palace however, Fabinho was not even included on the bench.
Klopp has since revealed that the midfielder was left out of his squad for tactical reasons.
While explaining his selection, the German boss said as quoted by Metro:
‘There are normal squad decisions you have to make week in, week out and that’s what I did. ‘[There is no problem with Fabinho], nothing, he is here.’
Liverpool are next in action against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. Brighton will come into the game full of confidence after having beaten Manchester United 3-2 last weekend, however, Klopp’s side will be the favorites.
