Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has put Fabinho in his best XI of teammates throughout his career.
Asked by Optus Sport for their 1-11 segment, Berbatov claimed the Liverpool player was one of the best midfielders he ever played with.
“I don’t want to be boring, I want to say something that will surprise people – so I’ve gone with Fabinho,” said the 41-year-old. “We were in Monaco together, he was a young boy back then. I came from the Premier League but straight away I could see his talent. He was very good in training, taking responsibility in the games, he could play at right-back and in the middle of the park.
“In training sessions I was used to physical contact, most of the time I was smashing him here and there, with elbows and shoulders so he could go on the ground. He was like ‘Berba, come on!’ and I’m like ‘I’m preparing you for the Premier League’. Funnily enough, years later he’s in the Premier League and one of the best players in the Liverpool team.”
Berbatov sends Liverpool fans Fabinho reminder
Although Berbatov is even admitting to being slightly facetious here, it’s still an interesting selection.
The two players only spent 18 months together in 2014 and 2015. But despite that limited time, it’s obvious that the then 21-year-old Fabinho made a big impression on the Bulgarian legend.
Perhaps we should thank Berbatov, as whatever rough tactics he employed on the Brazilian seemed to work.
Three years later and he was patrolling around Anfield as one of the most physical defensive midfielders in Europe.
Since then, he has only got better. Now one of the most recognisable players in his position in world football, Liverpool fans wouldn’t swap him for anyone.
It may not seem that way at the moment as the 28-year-old struggles to get going this season. But he’ll come good soon, he always does.
And when he does, the difference to Liverpool will be clear. Without their £44m man at his best, the Reds soft underbelly is all too frequently exposed.
Berbatov played with some great midfielders during his career. For him to pick the Liverpool man during his formative years just go to show how much he’s rated and relied upon by those who play alongside him.
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