Fabinho is the glue that binds Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool

Fabinho is the glue that binds Liverpool together.

Fabio Tavares, or Flaco (the skinny one) is widely known as someone who betrays that Brazilian nickname.

Fabinho is an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s juggernauts since his arrival at Liverpool from Monaco in May 2018.

At 6’2”, he is a formidable force as the no. 6 defensive holding midfielder but he can also hit them, too. His two lightning strikes from 30 yards out were top-shelf world-class strikes and are among the best goals scored by the Reds last campaign.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has instructed him to find more joy by shooting in this style more often. As reported from an interview with the Echo’s Paul Gorst.

Adding an offensive threat component to his already impeccable defensive skill and ability make him a well rounded complete footballer. Fabinho is a poised and composed force with the ball at his feet and is quite proficient at linking passes to start the offensive drive forward from the back.

Widely regarded as the best ‘6’ in England, Fabinho was one of the first players Klopp went after in May 2018, signing him to a long-term deal from Monaco. This would subsequently begin the defensive re-build after the 2018 Premier League campaign and that tough loss in the Champions League final in Kiev.

They would soon add Allison Becker in goal and Virgil van Dijk coming in January the year before in the defensive end, solidifying a defensive structure that would become the envy of every English side and all the big time clubs on the continent.

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This addition of Fabinho in midfield led to the creation of the most stingy defense in the world in 2018-2020. Often referred to as the ‘spider’ or ‘octopus’ by his teammates, due in large to his long lanky legs which give him the ability to make tackles and touches, toe pokes that are just not possible for players not graced with his stature and quickness.

He is also a proficient passer and isn’t shy about catching out defenses with peachy balls over the top to the wingers and full-backs.

Fabinho is a formidable force in aerial duels in the midfield, and if he perfects his positional nous and awareness on free kicks and corners can add even another element to his already masterful command of his defensive midfield position.

He is also a competent fall-back candidate for center back as we’ve seen on occasion, and can play at right-back as well – even if this usually in cup ties when Joe Gomez and van Dijk are rested as a matter of course.

There has been some speculation that he might be called upon to fill in as a fourth choice behind Joel Matip in the center back pecking order– but only if another center back can’t be found this summer to fill the hole left by the sale of Dejan Lovern to St. Petersburg club Zenit after the finish of the past campaign.

This might become even more of a reality if the proposed addition of Thiago from Bayern actually materializes as hundreds of Reds fans are calling for. Click on the link above to read the bones of the argument.

However this ultimately shakes out for the good natured, lanky pivot man. ‘Flaco’ remains a first choice for Jurgen Klopp. He’s reliable stalwart at the heart of the team as he binds defense and offense together with confidence, style, and quick quiet resolve.

Fabinho is a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future for the Reds; and hopefully for years to come.