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Liverpool news: Sky Sports pundit names surprise player as key for Jurgen Klopp’s side
LIVERPOOL summer signing Fabinho will be key to the success of Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.
Fabinho gives Liverpool 'depth and flexibility' says Moreno
That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Brighton defender Liam Rosenior.
Fabinho joined Liverpool from Monaco in May for a fee of £43.7million.
The 24-year-old was not part of the Brazil World Cup squad in the summer so had a full pre-season at his new club.
However, he is yet to make an appearance in Liverpool’s two Premier League games so far this season, and was left out of the squad altogether for the trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.
I think a key for them, I’ve said it before, is Fabinho. He’ll be huge for Liverpool this year
Jurgen Klopp confirmed there was no injury to the Brazilian when discussing his team selection at Selhurst Park.
“There are normal squad decisions you have to make week in, week out and that’s what I did,” Klopp said.
“[There is no problem with Fabinho], nothing, he is here.”
But despite not making an appearance yet, Rosenior reckons Fabinho, who played one game on loan at Real Madrid in 2013, will be vital this season.
“I think a key for them, I’ve said it before, is Fabinho,” Rosenior said.
“He’ll be huge for Liverpool this year.
“I think, in terms of the defensive balance, having a deep-lying midfield player than can protect them will be key as well.”
Speaking last week, Fabinho admitted he knew there would be plenty of competition in the Liverpool midfield.
"When I came to Liverpool I knew this competition would exist in midfield and I think it’s really good for the team," he told Premier League Productions.
"‘If anything happens to a player, there’s adequate cover.
"During pre-season I played alongside a variety of different players and we blended really well.
"So, overall, I think it’s a good thing for the team."