Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was seen shaking his head after being substituted for Jordan Henderson during the Reds’ defeat to Leeds on Saturday, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Emotions were fully on show by the 29-year-old during the game when audible discontent was targeted towards Harvey Elliott as he lost the ball. The Brazilian turned to the crowd and urged the fans to get behind the youngster, clearly unimpressed by their response.
Later on in the first half, Fabinho was subjected to Jurgen Klopp’s anger as Jesse Marsch’s side eased through the Reds’ midfield.
Rather than acknowledging the manager’s frustration, the player instead just shook this head – much to the German’s annoyance. As a result, another small exchange occurred moments later.
What Fabinho did when Klopp subbed him off
On the hour-mark, Fabinho was replaced by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson.
Surprisingly, the Brazil international was seen shaking his head once again.
Whilst he did exchange a handshake with Klopp, the 29-year-old certainly didn’t appear best-pleased after being taken off.
Fabinho’s dip in form this season has visibly illustrated Liverpool’s struggles, with the midfielder rated as one of the side’s least impressive players on a number of occasions this term.
Under Klopp, the defensive midfielder has been a crucial component in the Reds’ road to success. Alongside Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, the Brazilian has helped form the spine of Liverpool’s renowned starting XI.
Therefore, when comparing his recent form to the fact he finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings this year, these poor displays make little to no sense.
At just 29 years old, Fabinho doesn’t appear physically capable of putting in the athletic performances he was once known for.
Arguably, a rest for the player is very much needed. However, Klopp does not have a plethora of defensive midfielders at his disposal.
With Jordan Henderson having also struggled for form at times this season, he doesn’t appear to be the obvious solution in the middle of the park.
Therefore, it could be time to bring in further competition in the January transfer window, as a change is definitely needed.
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