Fabinho – Is he the most vital part of Liverpool’s midfield?

Recent strong performances have seen Liverpool’s number 3 thrive in both defence and attack after netting against Burnley this weekend.

This season especially, Fabinho has managed to up his game going forward, with four goals in the Premier League and two in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool’s big man has built himself into a vital part of the defensive wall that includes huge names like Virgil van Djik and Joel Matip. Fabinho sits in front of the back 4 and aids them in the prevention of the opposition's counter-attack.

His confidence in winning the ball further up the pitch, as well as in deep defensive areas has provided a great counter-attacking tool for Liverpool as of late.

Looking at forward play, his goal contributions have become more prominent throughout the season.

The midfielder scored a brace at home to Shrewsbury, and vital league goals against Leeds, Brentford, Crystal Palace, along with a vital goal in a 1-0 away to Burnley.

The goals have come from both open play, set pieces and penalties this season, showing Fabinho has looked to get involved in all matters of play.

His benefit has come defensively too. With a good aerial presence and the ability to win the ball, Fabinho has proved his worth in breaking down play and being a ball-winning defensive midfielder.

With the style of play Klopp has adapted, allowing the full backs to press high and wide, Fabinho has taken the roll of the deep, distributing midfielder that effectively joins the backline when attacking.

He has shown consistent ability with his vision, range of passing and goal contribution, as well as his defensive intuition to prove why he is such an important part of this history-changing Liverpool side.

His awareness and ability to escape danger and find space has also been a huge tool when Liverpool are looking to get on the front foot.

Fabinho has developed this tremendous, back foot spinning turn that allows him to receive the ball and shimmy away from the opposing player using his body.

This skill really shows his class and style of play. A piece of footwork that is effective and applicable, benefits the team and really changes the passage of play, this is what Fabinho is all about.

His partnership with Thiago has not gone unnoticed. The pair have played 8 matches together, with 8 victories and only one goal conceded.

The Spaniard really supports Fabinho in his style of play, as he often picks up the loose ball of Fabinho’s outstretched challenge, or collects the ball after he wins a big areal duel.

Thiago also has a trademark turn, where he faints and shifts into space in front of him - they really are much similar players than perceived - and support each other so well on and off the pitch.