Jurgen Klopp once again proved that he is always right by deciding to start Fabinho against Leeds United in today’s win.
There was a large amount of controversy surrounding the Brazil star this week as FIFA had originally ruled both he and Alisson ineligible to play this weekend.
The Brazil FA launched a complaint after Premier League teams refused to allow their players to travel to South America during the last international break for Covid-19 reasons.
Liverpool were originally told that their Brazilians would not be allowed to play against Leeds.
However, it was announced late on Friday night that they would be permitted to play.
Many thought that this was too late for Klopp to change his starting XI for the game. The squad would have been doing tactical planning for the last few days.
By changing the No 6, it would have risked disrupting a lot of preparation.
Yet Klopp and his coaches decided to throw Fabinho in anyway. It proved to be the correct decision.
Fabinho outstanding against Leeds
The Reds dominated Marcelo Bielsa’s men for the majority of the Super Sunday game. They had 30 shots, compared to Leeds’ nine.
A big reason for this was because they won the midfield battle.
Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott, before his heartbreaking injury, were all outstanding. They kept the ball excellently, used it to perfection and snuffed out the majority of Leeds’ counter-attacks with outstanding positioning.
Fabinho, in particular, was phenomenal with his ability to snuff out attacks, He made one tackle and a huge five interceptions, as well as four recoveries.
He played a huge role in another clean sheet. He mopped up everything before it got as far as the defence.
The 27-year-old also scored the crucial second goal, which he dedicated to his late father in what was a beautiful moment.
Despite all the chances, Liverpool were not able to put Leeds away for some time. They badly needed to double the lead.
They did just that when Fabinho scooped home after a scramble in the box following a corner.
It was an all-round top performance from him. He showed everyone exactly why so many rate him as the best No 6 in world football.