Fabinho has claimed that he has a near-telepathic connection with Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino.
The two Brazilians have been playing together for over four years at Anfield. Friends and countrymen off the field, Fabinho told Globo that he absolutely loves playing with the 31-year-old.
“He [Firmino] helps me a lot because of the position he plays and the position I play. The rapport I have with him is very good. A guy who when I have the ball, I don’t even need to look to pass to him because I already know where he’s going to be,” claimed the midfielder.
“He plays a role that few players do. It won’t be a surprise to anyone if I say I’m rooting for him to go to the World Cup, he’s someone I know, besides a great player, he’s a friend of mine.”
Expanding on that last sentiment, Fabinho backed Bobby to make to the Brazil World Cup squad later this month.
“Firmino has been in an excellent moment since the season started, he’s been important for us [Liverpoo]. He’s been important for Darwin [Nunez] too, who’s just arrived, he’s in the same position, he’s learning from Firmino,” he said.
“He went to the last call-up [for Brazil], I’m happy he was called up again, he did well in training. At this moment, everyone is expecting to have his name mentioned by Tite, to be on the Qatar list, for him it’s no different. He’s already had the World Cup experience, he’s scored a goal in the World Cup, that’s one of the most special things a player should have.”
Brazilian connection faltering for Liverpool
If these two players do have a telepathic connection, then something has interrupted the transmission recently.
After a phenomenal start to the season, Firmino has tailed off over the last few weeks. Fabinho meanwhile has been in poor form throughout the campaign.
Still, it’s good to hear of such respect between teammates. As Liverpool attempt to turn their season around, they’ll need to stick together. These relationships will help that.
Bobby’s Qatar call-up in the balance
When the last Brazil squad was announced in September, it seemed as though Firmino had fought his way back into the fold. However, the call-up was followed by zero minutes in the South American’s three games.
Since then, his output for Liverpool has dropped off too. As a result, it does now seem like Bobby might now miss out after all.
That may not be a bad thing for Liverpool. The No.9 has played an awful lot of football over the last three months. With Diogo Jota still out beyond the World Cup, they’ll need Bobby fresh again after Qatar.
Firmino deserves the call-up though. A rejection may harm his morale, too. And as one of the happiest personalities in football, you won’t find a Liverpool fan who doesn’t wish him the very best in everything he does.
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