How Liverpool must lineup vs Wolves: Fabinho, Keita, Thiago in midfield

Naby Keita, Liverpool (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Naby Keita, Liverpool (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Fabinho, Liverpool (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Defensive midfield: Fabinho

Liverpool fans’ persistent demands were answered by Jurgen Klopp in the game against Leipzig. FABINHO STARTING IN MIDFIELD! After his performance, it’s easy to see why the demands were so persistent.

The number six is one of the best in the world in his position, and despite the impressive cover he has provided at centre-back this season, having him back in defensive midfield would be ideal.

Central midfield: Thiago

Thiago’s performance during the second-leg against Leipzig was the best I’ve seen from him since his first two appearances in a Liverpool shirt. His influence in those two games, against Chelsea and Everton, were both with either Fabinho/Henderson accompanying him in midfield.

He’s at his best when there’s defensive cover for him to spend more time on the ball than worrying about tracking back. In the game against Leipzig, he was heavily influential in both aspects of the game, and I see no reason to drop him.

Central midfield: Naby Keita

Starting Naby Keita in two consecutive games is an extremely risky call which Klopp has chosen to stray away from, and rightly so. The Guinean’s fitness issues need to be looked at with caution.

Given that he only featured for 20 odd minutes against Leipzig, starting him against Wolves is feasible. The hosts are known to pride themselves on their defensive ability, and Keita’s ability on the ball could be key to unlocking that defence.