TalkSPORT pundit Jermaine Pennant has suggested Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is continually getting worse.
Reacting to the Reds’ 3-1 loss to Brentford, the former Anfield winger explained on the show why Jurgen Klopp needs to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
“Fabinho, now, we’ve seen the best of him – we’ve used the best of Fabinho. He’s just fell off that little cliff,” said Pennant.
“Thiago, he’s great on the ball, but he’s not going to give you that protection.
“I think Elliott, one for the future [but] right now won’t get in many top 10 midfields – never mind Liverpool’s to start [his career with].
“So, with them three players there, it’s lacklustre. We definitely need to strengthen in those areas, for sure.”
Pennant says Fabinho isn’t good enough anymore
Since arriving on Merseyside back in 2018 in a deal worth £44m, Fabinho has been absolutely crucial to Liverpool’s success.
The Brazilian has excelled as a lone defensive midfielder in the middle of the park, winning the ball back and recycling possession.
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see the 29-year-old approaching 200 appearances for the club.
However, at times this season, Fabinho has looked off the pace. He no longer looks as athletic as he once did, and his speed has taken a huge knock as a result.
As the only senior defensive midfielder at the club, he has been overworked during the last few years.
It was necessary to buy a rotation option a long while ago, so Pennant may be right when he claims the former Monaco man is now past his best.
Consequently, the Reds should look to bring in a long-term replacement for the Brazilian.
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