Fabinho gives honest verdict on Arne Slot and whether Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League

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Liverpool have begun the season in sparkling fashion this time around.

There had been real question marks over whether the Reds would be able to maintain their status as one of Europe’s best sides without Jurgen Klopp in charge.

However, Arne Slot has come in and hit the ground running. Liverpool’s characterful draw against Arsenal on Sunday was the latest show that they will be a force in the Premier League this season.

One of the key things which could still derail that, however, is the lack of a true defensive midfielder within the Liverpool squad.

The Reds tried to sign Martin Zubimendi over the summer and although Ryan Gravenberch has done a superb job in a more holding role, the absence of that type of player could still count against Liverpool.

In short, the Reds could possibly do with someone like prime Fabinho patrolling the midfield. Now in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has been assessing his old club’s chances of a trophy this season.

Fabinho delivers Arne Slot verdict

Liverpool had been crying out for a player like Fabinho ever since Javier Mascherano left in 2010.

Eight years passed in between, but Fabinho was well worth the wait. His importance to the silverware Liverpool won under Klopp can never be overstated.

As a result, the 31-year-old knows exactly what it takes to win with Liverpool.

And speaking to Four Four Two, Fabinho has been assessing whether Slot and his current group have got the necessary tools.

READ MORE: Fabinho reveals what he ‘knows’ about Liverpool’s contract situations

“For me it’s normal because Liverpool have one of the best teams in the Premier League and in Europe, so it’s not a surprise for me how well they’re doing at the moment,” said the Al Ittihad man. “I think they have everything to fight with Manchester City.

“Unfortunately Man City are still the team to beat, but Arne Slot is doing a very good job.

“I really hope Liverpool will keep this run until the end of the season and hopefully bring some important trophies this season.”

How is Fabinho doing in Saudi Arabia?

Fabinho had an almost perfect career with Liverpool. Signed out of the blue in 2018, the Brazil international won it all with the Reds before leaving at the right time in 2023.

Now into his second season with Al Ittihad, Fabinho is playing out the rest of his career picking up a big wage packet while starring in a lesser league.

Alongside the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, Fabinho makes up an all-star cast at Al Ittihad.

However, they finished way down in fifth in the 2023/24 campaign. The appointment of French World Cup winner Laurent Blanc has led to an uptick in form, though, with Al Ittihad winning seven out of eight games this term, sitting in second place.

Fabinho has been a key player in that, starting all eight of his team’s matches so far.