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Fabinho 'outstanding' claim made after first Champions League start for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL midfielder Fabinho was “outstanding” in his first Champions League start for the club.
That is according to former striker Dion Dublin.
Fabinho joined Liverpool in the summer for £43.7million amid stern competition from rivals such as Manchester United.
The Brazilian has not blossomed in Merseyside so far, however, chiefly down to playing time.
Before Wednesday’s visit of Red Star Belgrade, the 25-year-old had only played 123 minutes of football in all competitions.
Fabinho has had to adapt to the style of play
Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the issue ahead of the match, saying: “He has had to adapt to the style of play and, if you watch Fabinho playing at Monaco, he was full of confidence.
“You come to a new club and it depends a bit on your personality. He’s not the loudest person on the planet.”
Fabinho slotted in well to the Liverpool midfield as they breezed past Red Star 4-0, thanks to a brace from Mohamed Salah, as well as goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Dublin said: “[Georginio] Wijnaldum and Fabinho in front of the centre-halves were outstanding.
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“A really disciplined performance from Liverpool.
“Four players stood out for me tonight - [Joe] Gomez, [Virgil] Van Dijk, Fabinho and Wijnaldum.
“They allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold and [Andy] Robertson to go and do what they do - pushing forward from full-back.
“I think that's what Liverpool can do in the Premier League as well.
“If there were 11 man of the match prizes, they'd all go to the boys in red.
“Getting the four goals and not conceding as well - Liverpool have done really, really well.”