Liverpool midfielder Fabinho took part in Brazil training yesterday as they geared up for their quarter final with Croatia.
The 29-year-old has only featured in one of his country’s four games at the tournament so far – playing the full game in the 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
But that hasn’t stopped him from trying to win over manager Tite. As seen on the CBF Futebol Twitter page, Fabinho is certainly putting the hard yards in during training.
On the day his Liverpool teammates were returning to work in Dubai, Fabinho was banging in a goal past Manchester City ‘keeper Ederson. Running onto a chipped through ball, the Reds No.3 side-footed the bouncing pass beyond a rooted Ederson. Lovely, Fab.
Fabinho still hoping for more game-time
At this point, it would be a surprise to see Fabinho feature further for Brazil in Qatar.
Even with Tite making numerous changes during games, the Liverpool man has failed to make it onto the pitch from the bench. Given that he actually looked very good against Cameroon, that’s a little disappointing.
However, you just never know what can happen. The Selecao have already seen injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles change their plans somewhat.
Should Fred or Lucas Paqueta for instance pick up a knock, then Fabinho may still play his part. He has to be ready for that.
Of course, there’s more to winning a tournament than playing in the first XI, though. To lift the trophy you need to have a settled and happy camp. All players in the squad contribute to that, whether they’re playing or not.
In that respect, it looks as though Fabinho is doing his bit. Although he may be disappointed at not playing more often in a side who look to perhaps be winners-elect, he isn’t showing it.
If he ends up with a medal around his neck, then he likely won’t mind at all.
In contrast to Fabinho, Liverpool teammate Alisson Becker has been a key man during Brazil’s campaign. The goalie was brilliant in Monday’s knockout win over South Korea and is further cementing his already legendary status. Brazil are back in action on Friday, where Dejan Lovren’s Croatia lie in wait.
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