Liverpool were looking a little more like their fluent best at times during the first half against Southampton today. The Reds go into the break 3-1 ahead.
Okay, it hasn’t all been perfect, and they’d much rather be heading into the break with a clean sheet. But by and large, things were noticeably more energetic. The free-flowing football Liverpool fans know so well was in evidence.
A big reason for that has been the improvement seen in their under-fire No.3 – Fabinho.
Fabinho has come in for widespread criticism this season, as he turns in below-par display after below-par display.
But against the Saints, his feet moved a little quicker than they have. He was a little sharper to the press and quicker to release the ball. It’s no coincidence that when the Brazilian is improved, so too are Liverpool.
Fabinho looking more comfortable vs Saints
Far too often this season, we’ve seen Liverpool start games as though they’re half-asleep. The stats relating to Liverpool falling behind first this season are pretty shocking.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the case today at Anfield. The Reds came out quickly and found themselves ahead within just four minutes.
Granted, they allowed Southampton back into it soon after, but they didn’t panic and found another goal. And then another goal.
Key to that more positive start was Fabinho. He wasn’t the most notable of Liverpool’s midfield. Thiago has been impressive while Harvey Elliott has perhaps been the star performer alongside Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez.
Nevertheless, the £44m man has kept things ticking along in a manner that he often hasn’t this season. As per Fotmob, His pass completion percentage finished the half at a lofty 94% – 33 out of 35.
Keeping things simple hasn’t always come naturally to him this campaign, so that’s pleasing to see.
Fabinho also won four out of five ground duels (75%), whilst making four recoveries, too.
It’s a shame that we haven’t seen this version of the 29-year-old more often this season. But with plenty still to play for in 2022/23, his return to form could be absolutely key to Liverpool improving in the New Year. Keep it going second half, Fab.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
