Liverpool are seeing exactly why Michael Edwards reportedly ‘pushed hard’ for two specific midfielders. The decision is coming up trumps.
The Athletic claims that Michael Edwards ‘pushed hard’ to sign two midfielders at Liverpool for a specific reason – versatility.
Both James Milner and Fabinho arrived on the back of Edwards’ encouragement as he saw that versatility in each. And right now, Liverpool are seeing exactly why.
Life saver
Liverpool are right in the midst of an injury crisis. Two players, however, have significantly eased the trouble – Milner and Fabinho.
Milner has started the last three games, finishing 90 minutes against both Atalanta and Leicester City. He’d have managed it against Brighton, too, only for injury to force him out.
We called it a superhuman feat as not only did Milner play those games, he covered multiple positions.
Milner played right-back against the Foxes and did so brilliantly. Then he played holding-midfield against Atalanta – and both at the Amex.
To pull that all off at 34 is simply remarkable and Liverpool would have struggled badly without him and his versatility.
But Fabinho is the real life-saver this season.
With both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out long-term, the Brazilian stepped up to play centre-half regularly this season.
He’s played alongside four different partners and done well in every game. For someone not used to the role, it’s quite remarkable.
Fabinho has played right-side and left-side at centre-half, as well as his usual position in holding midfield. We even think he could be an option at right-back vs Ajax.
4-for-2
Liverpool are getting four players out of two, here. Two centre-midfielders who are also contributing wonderfully in the back four.
Edwards reportedly saw the value in that versatility and it’s a good thing he did. It could well help save a very difficult season from disaster.
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