Liverpool didn’t have a good day yesterday. Not only did the transfer window slam shut without any further additions, they also lost Ibrahima Konate to injury.
This latest blow will reportedly keep the Frenchman out for the next three weeks or so. Coinciding with Virgil van Dijk’s continued absence, it leaves Liverpool looking light at centre-back.
Nat Phillips’ expected sale was put on hold, leaving him with Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Rhys Williams as Jurgen Klopp’s options.
Not great with big games against Everton, Newcastle and Real Madrid coming up. But, it shouldn’t all be doom and gloom. Lest we forget that Klopp actually has another option to stick in the heart of the defence – Fabinho.
The 29-year-old has been nothing short of abysmal for much of the season. His trademark timing in the tackle has deserted him and he has often looked lost out on the pitch.
Fabinho shone when forced to play in defence during the 2020/21 season. With his legs seemingly shot, perhaps a move further back is now where the Brazilian’s future lies.
Getting the best out of a fading star
Two seasons ago, Klopp’s need to stick Fabinho in defence was one that was absolutely necessary. But in moving the £44m signing deeper, Liverpool’s midfield couldn’t cope. Shorn of their most important component, they simply couldn’t get to grips with things.
In short, Liverpool previously couldn’t afford to lose ‘Flaco’ from the midfield. But with his form in serious free-fall and Stefan Bajcetic stepping up in his place, Fabinho isn’t the shoo-in he has been for so long.
As a result, Klopp has some license to experiment. Joel Matip hasn’t been great of late and Joe Gomez rarely convinces at all anymore. That should mean that even without Konate and Van Dijk, that pair’s place in the line-up shouldn’t be assured.
Phillips is a decent player but there’s a reason Liverpool were willing to let him leave. He’s really only ever been a break-glass option and should probably stay that way.
So, what have Liverpool got to lose, really? Fabinho right now has the look of a player who’s best days are behind him. Moving him deeper frees him up from the need to get around the pitch as much. It could highlight all his best attributes without leaving him exposed.
Thus, Liverpool could get one of their best players of recent years back to being important again. It would negate the need to sign an extra centre-back in the meantime whilst also giving Fabinho the chance to coach the young Bajcetic through games in-front of him. It’s often in times of deep crisis that new ideas are stumbled upon. This may not be a wholly new idea, but it’s still a good one.