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Rio Ferdinand has told BT Sport’s coverage of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Ajax (Wednesday 10pm) that Fabinho has got a “problem”, and that is stepping into the boots of Virgil van Dijk as the Dutch giant’s replacement.
Van Dijk suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton on Saturday, leaving Liverpool light at centre-back – following the sale of Dejan Lovren. Joel Matip remains on the sidelines, and that saw Fabinho start in defence against Ajax.
Naturally a holding midfielder, Fabinho has shown versatility during his time at Liverpool – playing at centre-back on numerous occasions last season, and against Chelsea this term. He is expected to play in that role for much of this season.
Ferdinand applauded Fabinho for his performance against Ajax on Wednesday night as Liverpool earned a 1-0 win – but stated that Fabinho will have to form a partnership quickly with Joe Gomez, and underlined that replacing van Dijk is a “problem”.
“This guy is a top operator, he played at right-back for Monaco – he knows how to defend,” Ferdinand said. “He is going to have to show that on a consistent basis, he read the game really well today.
TBR’s view – Fabinho can cover van Dijk, but midfield effect?
Certainly, a lack of Fabinho in midfield is a blow for Liverpool. Thiago is certainly excellent in that role, but lacking that defensive-minded player at the base of the midfield is expected to increase the exposure on Liverpool’s back line.
The Reds do have options, but Fabinho’s influence as the club’s anchor is unmatchable – defensively. Thiago is better with the ball at his feet and when it comes to passing, but he cannot match Fabinho’s defensive nous. It will have an effect.
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