Topic: Fabinho

[deFacto please, you bastards]

All feels a bit like that player we signed that nobody had heard of, done fuck all then went to Stoke. Ousmane Assidi or some shit.

With all due respect Barney just because you haven't heard about him doesn't mean that the rest of us haven't either. He's a good player, if you watched Monaco last year in Europe at least mate

[Gnurglan]

Welcome!

It took us 48 hours after the season finished to get this one done. I hate it when we just take forever to get new players signed.

[JayNY]

@Babu Yagu

Mate, are there any players out there that he would compare to?  I've literally never seen him play.  Would he be like an N'zonzi / Matic type or am I completely wrong

Cheers

[PoetryInMotion]

Emre's body, Emmanuel Petit's brain. Fucking dream of a signing.

I have been talking all season about how the tactical level of our midfield was a big hindrance. This guy is literally the #1 target I had to solve it. Just always thought he was off to United. In a big game, Fabinho, Gini & Keita = opponent not touching the ball once in midfield. Not once. Fabinho = no more long punts for Lukaku to flick on. He just dominates that zone.

Dream of a signing.

And Fekir goes as a forward option or on the bench. Against the bus parkers, pack them in with Fabinho, Keita & Fekir and smash them out of the park. Put Hendo & Ox in whenever they need rest in certain easier games who don't park the bus but we're expected to beat anyway. Good set of options there.

Now the back-ups for the forwards to sort out (& finalize Fekir, that too  ).

[S]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/gOMhN-hfMtY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/gOMhN-hfMtY</a>

[RyanBabel19]

If we were going to buy one I'd have liked one who was more a deep lying playmaker than a dm as our weakness in midfield is keeping possession (especially against the press) and penetrative passing against set defences
If we couldn't get Jorginho I was happy with Henderson / Wijnaldam / Keita covering the position - or switching to a double pivot

I'm not against the transfer to be clear its not like he's bad - we've decided to replace Can with similar which is fine - I'm just no clear on how he significantly improves us ... genuinely hope to be proved wrong ...provided we have the cash to get a top quality AM and wide forward as well its all good

I'll give my take on it mate, we normally tend to agree a fair amount on here to be honest.

Fabinho helps us because while he IS the type to play that ball winning role that isn't what his game is limited too.

Playing a high press with a high line, a common tactic to get around this is the long ball approach. Biggest example of us suffering from that this season is without doubt the utd game, long punts to Lukaku, CB steps out of defence we lose the aerial duel and leave space in behind simultaneously. With Fabinho in the side the chances of this happening are minimal, the guys a monster in the air and wins a stupid amount of headers... imagine playing Van Dijk at DM and having his identical twin at CB behind him.

Now a common problem for us is the lack of speed in the DM position in transition, we see a lot of turn, touch touch touch touch touch, chance gone OR pass back to CB and the ball shifting across our back line allowing opposition to retreat and regroup. The difference with Fabinho is that he understands the importance of speed in transition, he was the foundation on which that title winning Monaco side was built, quickly releasing the ball after regaining possession allowing them to catch out the opposition. The best thing about it is he doesn't simply play a load of high risk passes, he reads the game very well and knows when to opt for a long ball forward and when to work play around opposing CMs to open up space for more advanced teammates, he's confident in advancing with the ball and is great at carrying the ball forward with powerful runs, not at the level of Ox but he carrys the ball well and is strong enough to hold off players and advance with possession

He is also formerly a fullback so he understands the importance of support for fullbacks, he covers the width of the pitch and fills that space between CB and fullback that sides like City look to pinpoint so well. That little slide rule pass in between those players is a lot less available with Fabinho anchoring your midfield

I'm so excited about this because he has so much more in his locker than just being a win the ball and pass it to the CB/other CM type player. He is top drawer

Wouldn't look out of his depth in the 8 role so i hope people don't bog him down with the idea he's 'just a DM' he's so so much more

[Fordy]

Fabinho and Keita should start , with you'd imagine Capt Hendo. That means Fekir could start on the bench! Or, finally we have so much quality and versatility that we can change style and system and still be awesome!!

We're not going to spend 60m for a player to sit on the bench if we sign Fekir. Seriously not going to happen.

[Lush is the best medicine...]

First Mendes client we’ve had?

[mkingdon]

Fekir played today for France and played very advanced so I could see that to be the case.

Isn't Fekir likely to play in our front three? We desperately need more quality numbers there.

[thekitkatshuffler]

I've always thought this would end up happening.

We need to start pursuing decoys. I want to see the coaching staff scouting Jay Spearing and Lee Cattermole Jack Butland to throw everyone off the scent.

Agreed.

[PoetryInMotion]

@Babu Yagu

Mate, are there any players out there that he would compare to?  I've literally never seen him play.  Would he be like an N'zonzi / Matic type or am I completely wrong

Cheers

I know the question's not for me, but here's my 2 cents.

He's a bit like N'Zonzi but much more mobile than Matic. He's powerful, presses well, knows when to tackle and when to hold, but also can make driving runs forward. He's a No. 6, No. 8 and a Full-Back all rolled into one. He has played all these positions to a high level.

[El Lobo]

A mere 7 years ago...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14051735

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14170933

Fooorrrrddyyyy!!!

FORDY!!!

He’s slagging off Charlie Adam mate. Tell him. Get him.

[BabuYagu]

Yeah it does seems a bit crowded at the moment, I just can't see anyone being sold, Wijnaldum would be the most likely but I just dont see it.

Actually think the exact opposite is true, he would be the least likely.

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

RedCafe aren’t happy with us:

 

[Dr. Beaker]

I'll give my take on it mate, we normally tend to agree a fair amount on here to be honest.

Fabinho helps us because while he IS the type to play that ball winning role that isn't what his game is limited too.

Playing a high press with a high line, a common tactic to get around this is the long ball approach. Biggest example of us suffering from that this season is without doubt the utd game, long punts to Lukaku, CB steps out of defence we lose the aerial duel and leave space in behind simultaneously. With Fabinho in the side the chances of this happening are minimal, the guys a monster in the air and wins a stupid amount of headers... imagine playing Van Dijk at DM and having his identical twin at CB behind him.

Now a common problem for us is the lack of speed in the DM position in transition, we see a lot of turn, touch touch touch touch touch, chance gone OR pass back to CB and the ball shifting across our back line allowing opposition to retreat and regroup. The difference with Fabinho is that he understands the importance of speed in transition, he was the foundation on which that title winning Monaco side was built, quickly releasing the ball after regaining possession allowing them to catch out the opposition. The best thing about it is he doesn't simply play a load of high risk passes, he reads the game very well and knows when to opt for a long ball forward and when to work play around opposing CMs to open up space for more advanced teammates, he's confident in advancing with the ball and is great at carrying the ball forward with powerful runs, not at the level of Ox but he carrys the ball well and is strong enough to hold off players and advance with possession

He is also formerly a fullback so he understands the importance of support for fullbacks, he covers the width of the pitch and fills that space between CB and fullback that sides like City look to pinpoint so well. That little slide rule pass in between those players is a lot less available with Fabinho anchoring your midfield

I'm so excited about this because he has so much more in his locker than just being a win the ball and pass it to the CB/other CM type player. He is top drawer

Wouldn't look out of his depth in the 8 role so i hope people don't bog him down with the idea he's 'just a DM' he's so so much more

Is he any good in goal?

[deFacto please, you bastards]

his actual name is Fabio Tavares 

[LFC Boy]

This came out of nowhere! Delighted. He also speaks English already, always a bonus.

[Yorkykopite]

You'll love him Yorky. He's both fantastic on the ball and absolutely dominates his zone in every way. Quick across the deck too for a big guy. Tactically one of the smartest midfielders I've seen.

I’m encouraged that you like him.

Is he brave? Does he want to get on the ball? Does he tend to have an idea of what he wants to do with it before he gets it?

[lessthanmatt]

Who is the first one? (pardon my ignorance if it's a club legend or someone I ought to know)

[wige]

Ok, that's three youtube videos done now.

Not sure what time period they were all from, but he seems much more than a sitting DM to me. Anyone watched much of him as a '6'? Has he developed into a more disciplined player positionally? Or does he still play with that freedom to get forward and break between lines?

Looks big, strong, with a good touch and pass and carries the ball well. To be honest, it's making me question whether we're going to see a lot more of the 4-2-3-1 this year? You can certainly see him and Keita as the two with Fekir roaming in the 10 behind the front three? Guess this comes back to the fluidity of formation and line-ups..

Love how we've developed into a properly organised and ruthless club in the transfer market. Night and day from a few years ago.

Onwards redmen. This is the beginning

[Chalky Boots]

Isn't Fekir likely to play in our front three? We desperately need more quality numbers there.

Not really. He played more as a 10/8 for Lyon. Think more David Silva off David Villa at Valencia type player but with a lot more end product.

[Rush 82]

Also explains why the Fellaini links were all over the place, trying to trick Barca into buying the big lug.

Ooooh, now Butland makes sense....

[JayNY]

I know the question's not for me, but here's my 2 cents.

He's a bit like N'Zonzi but much more mobile than Matic. He's powerful, presses well, knows when to tackle and when to hold, but also can make driving runs forward. He's a No. 6, No. 8 and a Full-Back all rolled into one. He has played all these positions to a high level.

Thanks very much mate!

[mkingdon]

I'll give my take on it mate, we normally tend to agree a fair amount on here to be honest.

Fabinho helps us because while he IS the type to play that ball winning role that isn't what his game is limited too.

Playing a high press with a high line, a common tactic to get around this is the long ball approach. Biggest example of us suffering from that this season is without doubt the utd game, long punts to Lukaku, CB steps out of defence we lose the aerial duel and leave space in behind simultaneously. With Fabinho in the side the chances of this happening are minimal, the guys a monster in the air and wins a stupid amount of headers... imagine playing Van Dijk at DM and having his identical twin at CB behind him.

Now a common problem for us is the lack of speed in the DM position in transition, we see a lot of turn, touch touch touch touch touch, chance gone OR pass back to CB and the ball shifting across our back line allowing opposition to retreat and regroup. The difference with Fabinho is that he understands the importance of speed in transition, he was the foundation on which that title winning Monaco side was built, quickly releasing the ball after regaining possession allowing them to catch out the opposition. The best thing about it is he doesn't simply play a load of high risk passes, he reads the game very well and knows when to opt for a long ball forward and when to work play around opposing CMs to open up space for more advanced teammates, he's confident in advancing with the ball and is great at carrying the ball forward with powerful runs, not at the level of Ox but he carrys the ball well and is strong enough to hold off players and advance with possession

He is also formerly a fullback so he understands the importance of support for fullbacks, he covers the width of the pitch and fills that space between CB and fullback that sides like City look to pinpoint so well. That little slide rule pass in between those players is a lot less available with Fabinho anchoring your midfield

I'm so excited about this because he has so much more in his locker than just being a win the ball and pass it to the CB/other CM type player. He is top drawer

Wouldn't look out of his depth in the 8 role so i hope people don't bog him down with the idea he's 'just a DM' he's so so much more

[QR350]

RedCafe aren’t happy with us:

Saw that earlier, looks like Baldrick left RAWK and signed up to Redcafe

"who the fuck is baldrick?"

[WhereAngelsPlay]

It does raise the question though... wouldn't be a huge shock at this point if one of Wijnaldam / Henderson or Lallana was sold ... I guess AOC's injury makes it less likely  - but if Fekir is really coming too we've got an awful lot of 'plays somewhere in the middle' lads

Milner hasn't got much left in him as a starter & I could see Henderson gone before Wijnaldum,would prefer it as well to be honest.

[Roger Federer]

If we were going to buy one I'd have liked one who was more a deep lying playmaker than a dm as our weakness in midfield is keeping possession (especially against the press) and penetrative passing against set defences
If we couldn't get Jorginho I was happy with Henderson / Wijnaldam / Keita covering the position - or switching to a double pivot

I'm not against the transfer to be clear its not like he's bad - we've decided to replace Can with similar which is fine - I'm just no clear on how he significantly improves us ... genuinely hope to be proved wrong ...provided we have the cash to get a top quality AM and wide forward as well its all good

Agree with you about how we could improve the midfield. We need someone who is clearly more comfortable on the ball under pressure, someone who can move the ball quickly through midfield. No idea if Fabinho is like that, but reading about him he seems like a more consistent and positionally aware Can, which is a good improvement on what we have but perhaps not exactly what I wanted though. That said, our transfers recently have been outstanding so I’m excited to see him play for us.

[Dr. Beaker]

Who is the first one? (pardon my ignorance if it's a club legend or someone I ought to know)

That's Staunton but he used to be knicknamed Fabinho.

[Mr_Shane]

Isn't Fekir likely to play in our front three? We desperately need more quality numbers there.

He could, but put our front 3 with Fekir and Keita in midfield, and that would decimate all the park-the-bus sides, plus if Fabinho is every bit as good in the air as some say he is. These teams can forget about playing the ball long to a target man, what with this guy and two centre backs who are among the strongest in the league when it comes to aerial ability.

[wige]

I’m encouraged that you like him.

Is he brave? Does he want to get on the ball? Does he tend to have an idea of what he wants to do with it before he gets it?

Have a watch, compilation/edited videos I know, but what the hell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTFI_RhouZo&t=339s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgbTpXFWf6Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bimgf_9aCvY&t=384s

[lessthanmatt]

Melissa Reddy
@MelissaReddy_
 1m1 minute ago
#LFC's recent work in the transfer market - Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Naby Keita - has seen other clubs closely take note (evidenced by Barcelona trying to hijack a deal for the latter) and so the quiet policy with Fabinho and others is by design

Makes sense. Probably why Fekir was leaked by French before British press.

As it should be! Reminds of when Spurs would suddenly become interested in every target we were interested in for a bunch of years in a row. Get your own staff you leeches! We should go "be careless" with a few decoys. A few "Charlie Adam's corners are worth £10m alone", you feel me? Let's get Barcelona blowing five years' turnover on Ryan Shawcross

[Simplexity]

Actually think the exact opposite is true, he would be the least likely.

I mean I would be beyond shocked if he left, but I just can't envision a world where anyone else leaves.

[aw1991]

Actually think the exact opposite is true, he would be the least likely.

Yeah I agree. Wijnaldum seems like very much a Klopp player.

I think we might go with a 442 like Monaco and Leipzig next season. Keita and Fabinho in the middle with Mane and Fekir/someone else wide and Firmino and Salah upfront. Sounds like a lot of fun.

[Asam]

The best thing about this signing is that it completely dispels doubts that the manager and recruitment team don’t see / understand what the team needs to address, as fans we are hostage to our emotions and rational thinking goes out of the window when we suffer a loss or two

I feel confident that we can make a big step up this year

Also the shorter window needs a mention as teams will get caught out if they don’t make most of them signing before the wc

[BabuYagu]

His former teammate Keita Balde:

'There is something in him. He is a bit like Busquets: he is a player that normal people do not look at, they watch Messi, Neymar, Suarez ... But someone who knows football will say that he is beautiful. Fabinho gave me the same feeling as Busquets'

Yeah exactly this. If you see the game tactically then players like Fabinho, Petit, Makelele, Mauro Silva - they win you titles. If we had Fabinho on the pitch on Saturday, we probably don't surrender territory and possession to Madrid. I mentioned after the game that I think Klopp will have a hard look at the core of the team now that have lost him 3 finals and ask tough questions. This is probably the first step there. Interesting times.

[LFC when it suits]

It does raise the question though... wouldn't be a huge shock at this point if one of Wijnaldam / Henderson or Lallana was sold ... I guess AOC's injury makes it less likely  - but if Fekir is really coming too we've got an awful lot of 'plays somewhere in the middle' lads

Surely, it would be Milner who would leave which I doubt would happen this season. Isn't milner out of contract this summer?

[Chavasse1917]

Who is the first one? (pardon my ignorance if it's a club legend or someone I ought to know)

Steve Staunton (aka "Stan") with us in the late 1980s

[Roger Federer]

His former teammate Keita Balde:

'There is something in him. He is a bit like Busquets: he is a player that normal people do not look at, they watch Messi, Neymar, Suarez ... But someone who knows football will say that he is beautiful. Fabinho gave me the same feeling as Busquets'

That sounds great though, exactly what I think we need. Busquets is brilliant when under pressure.

[TepidT2O]

his actual name is Fabio Tavares 

You are dead to me.

[JerseyKloppite]

All feels a bit like that player we signed that nobody had heard of, done fuck all then went to Stoke. Ousmane Assidi or some shit.

Guy was wanted by half of Europe's top clubs and was a lynchpin of Monaco's league win.