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Topics: Fabinho, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Leeds United
Chris Byfield
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho’s season was labelled “horrendous” by a pundit after the Reds’ dismal weekend defeat to Leeds.
An 89th-minute Crysencio Summerville winner saw Jesse Marsch’s side clinch a 2-1 win at Anfield and continue Liverpool’s nightmarish start to the season.
The Red’s, who only months ago were Champions League finalists, sit in ninth place in the Premier League, 13-points behind Manchester City and eight points behind fourth-placed Newcastle.
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After the game, Fabinho received criticism from swathes of media for his lacklustre and error-strewn display.
The 29-year-old was hauled off after 61 minutes, with Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher at one point comparing the Brazilian to a “ghost” in midfield.
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Meanwhile, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan was also deeply critical of Fabinho’s display and suggested the Brazil international’s best days may be behind him.
Speaking to Football Insider Whelan said: “Fabinho was miles off the pace and Klopp was not happy with him.
“There was that furious exchange in the first half and he was constantly gesturing where the midfielders should be.
“I’m surprised he didn’t take Fabinho off at half-time, to be honest. He was that bad. He couldn’t cope with the energy and dynamism of Leeds, who had a proper go at Liverpool and were full value for their win.
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“Klopp would have destroyed him in the dressing room at half-time.
“The fact he took him off after an hour, as well as Harvey Elliott, tells you everything about what he thought about the Liverpool midfield, and how there were too many gaps for Leeds to play in.”
Fabinho has been a key cog in Klopp’s midfield and is even dubbed “the lighthouse” by assistant manager Pep Lijnders on account of his ability to always be in the right position and guide his teammates through games.
However, the spindly Brazilian’s career has been plagued by niggling injuries.
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Whelan added: “Fabinho has been a brilliant player for Liverpool, but he’s been horrendous this season, a shadow of his former self.
“He’s not that old, he’s not even 30, but I’m thinking, ‘it looks like your legs have gone. The decline could be terminal”.