‘Has to’: Aldridge says Klopp has no choice but to recall ‘proper’ Liverpool player vs Man City

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John Aldridge tells Jurgen Klopp that he ‘has to’ recall Fabinho against Manchester City at the weekend. Liverpool will need him.

Jurgen Klopp surprised many when he dropped his 4-3-3 formation last week and chose a 4-4-2. Though, it’s essentially a 4-2-4. Liverpool went very attacking against both Rangers and Arsenal – to good effect, at times.

One player who dropped out, however, was Fabinho. The Brazilian started both games on the bench as Jordan Henderson and Thiago lined up as a midfield pairing. John Aldridge, however, feels that must change against Manchester City this weekend.

“Can Hendo do that [play a holding role]?” asked Aldridge in the Liverpool Echo. “He’s a creative midfielder for me, like Thiago. They’re creative. You need someone who can really defend and shield your defenders.

“It’s not ideal to have Hendo and Thiago there together because it’s not in their DNA. They can do a good job, don’t2 get me wrong. But their job is different to what we need when you’re going to play four front lads up.

“You need to play at least one proper defensive midfielder. Maybe two on some occasions. Fabinho has to play against City. You have to have defensive players on the pitch who can do a job.”

Klopp to recall Fabinho vs Man City

Fabinho hasn’t been in good form this season but it’s hard to argue with Aldridge here. Liverpool will need more of a shield, rather than the dual all-around players in Henderson and Thiago.

But we saw that being a problem against Arsenal and Klopp didn’t include the Brazilian right away. Players who drift into space will always cause problems if you don’t have a proper holding midfielder. Liverpool felt that inside a minute at the Emirates.

Fabinho, though, did make his name at AS Monaco playing in a flat midfield two. It’s also the formation that Klopp turned to while integrating the player in 2018 – we know he can play it.

And against City, he might be the best option to shield a weak back four. It might mean a return to 4-3-3, especially with Luis Diaz out, but Liverpool will prefer having Fabinho plugging gaps.