After making his 10th appearance for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, Fabinho‘s assessment of his performance proves he is growing in confidence.
Fabinho has suffered from Jurgen Klopp‘s patient approach with his new signings this season, starting in only six of the Reds’ 20 games in all competitions.
But five of those have come in the last six weeks, with the Brazilian named in the XI for four of the last five games in the Premier League.
The most recent came against Everton on Sunday, and Fabinho produced a fine display that has sparked wider appreciation of his qualities, including from the local media.
Arriving for £39 million and not immediately playing regularly could have dented the player’s ego, but speaking to LiverpoolFC.com he showed his belief in his abilities.
“I think I played well, like the rest of the team did,” he explained of the derby.
“Maybe there were a few little things regarding positioning that I could have improved on, but overall I think I had a good game.
“Me and Gini did our defensive duties and could contribute to creating play as well. Overall, I think it was a good team performance.”
Speaking to Brazilian outlet UOL, he added: “In the last few matches I’ve played more and I believe I’m playing a good role.”
Interestingly, in his interview with UOL, Fabinho went into more detail about a difficult period that required him to trust the process at Melwood.
“[Klopp] did not give a lot of explanations [for why I wasn’t playing], but in training we spoke so I would not be discouraged and concentrate on work, without letting my head drop,” he added.
“The opportunities have come in. Now I just want to increase my number of games.”
He also addressed ridiculous rumours linking him with January moves to both AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, dismissing speculation of an early exit.
“I was told there was something in the press, but I never said I would like to leave Liverpool,” he explained.
“I was aware that I needed to have the patience to wait for my moment. I’m happy at Liverpool, there’s no reason for me to leave.”
Indeed, he praised the atmosphere surrounding the Merseyside derby in a clear sign that he is enjoying life at Liverpool, telling the club’s official website “it was really special playing in this game.”
It is pertinent that Fabinho highlighted his positional awareness as the key area in need of improvement, as this was regarded as the big issue in his adjustment at Anfield.
But the 25-year-old is certainly coping with the intensity of playing for the Reds, and he looks set to cement himself as a key man moving forward.
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