Fabinho van Dijk! We’ve found our second-best defender
Liverpool star Fabinho was immense against Ajax.
The Brazilian started in defence as Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip were absent through injury, and returned a performance that suggests he might be the club’s second best option in that position.
On an important Champions League night, Fabinho stood up and put in a heroic shift that resulted in one direct intervention that saved a goal.
Joe Gomez was much improved but the plaudits have to go to the defensive midfielder, who will need to step back into defense far more than we all anticipated at the start of the season.
We need to see stronger performances from the England international and this was a good sign. He’s a historically slow starter, but can use this game to build confidence and step out of the shadow of his early-season slump.
Gomez and Matip have never started together as centre-backs and that trend looks set to continue as the former Cameroon international missed another game due to injury; he’s certain to be protected during the course of the campaign.
Fabinho won 100% of his duals, pulled off the joint-most tackles (four), executed four clearances, two interceptions and made one block.
He played so well that Liverpool barely even missed Virgil van Dijk. The side managed to keep a clean sheet – their first since the 2-0 win over Chelsea – and generally looked more composed at the back.
Related Story. Joe Gomez must decide whether he’s elite. light
Adrian might have had a few nervy moments, but was generally good and made one excellent save to deny Ajax forward Quincy Promes.
The Spaniard has often tested Scouse patience and it appeared as if this would be another nervy night. Luckily, the Dutch side couldn’t find the back of the net and now Jurgen Klopp can build on that.
Next. It’s okay to question Jurgen Klopp’s squad building. dark
With Fabinho has the foundation, his new structure is going to be on much safer ground.