20 February 2023 , 01:00
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Liverpool star Fabinho has revealed who the club’s three dressing room leaders are, whilst also detailing which player the Reds have missed the most in what has been a stuttering campaign.
The Merseyside outfit have failed to match the heights of previous campaigns under German schemer Jurgen Klopp. They currently sit eighth in the Premier League table after losing seven of their opening 22 matches, whilst they are also seven points off of the Champions League places - albeit with two matches in-hand.
In attempting to find a reason behind Liverpool ’s malaise, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho has revealed who exactly are the behind-the-scenes leaders at Anfield having suggested that the Reds have lacked guidance on the pitch this term. Speaking to Stadium Astro, he said: “I think sometimes in the season, we missed a little bit of leadership on the pitch.
“Virgil [van Dijk] is one of the leaders in this group, as Jordan Henderson is as well – James Milner [too]. Having these players on the pitch is always important. You know they will be loud, they will talk to the team, try to organise the team.”
Whilst Liverpool appear to have gotten themselves back on track over recent weeks - wins over Everton and Newcastle forcing them back into European contention - they were stuck in a rut as recently as last week. Humbling defeats at the hands of Brentford, Brighton and Wolves saw the pressure crank up on Klopp.
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However, Fabinho has suggested that the absence of Virgil van Dijk contributed hugely. The Dutch defender missed three matches with a hamstring injury before making his return in the win over Newcastle - something that has hugely boosted Liverpool according to his Brazilian teammate.
Virgil van Dijk made his return against Newcastle (Getty Images)Do you think Liverpool can still finish in the top four? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“Virgil, he’s the best centre-half in the world,” he added. “He’s really important for us.
“Set pieces, he’s someone always winning almost every ball. Yes, I’m very happy to have him back and playing at this level.”
Liverpool will be aiming to continue their promising form over the next week. They return to Champions League action with their last-16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid at Anfield to come on Tuesday.
Klopp’s men then take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next weekend. A win over the Eagles could potentially lift the Reds as high as sixth and above Fulham should results go their way.
Fabinho himself will be aiming to get his own form back to its previous heights. The 29-year-old Brazilian has struggled for consistency this term but has still retained the faith of his manager.
Of Fabinho’s 20 Premier League appearances this season, 16 of them have been starts. The former Monaco star has turned in some promising displays over recent weeks amid somewhat of an injury crisis in the centre of the park for the Reds.