Jurgen Klopp needs Liverpool star who ‘nullified’ Lionel Messi more than ever

Jurgen Klopp: Two key decisions went against Liverpool in West Ham defeat

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will need his formidable defensive midfielder Fabinho throughout the hectic winter period ahead more than ever. The star’s eye-catching performance for Brazil against Argentina on Tuesday would have left Klopp longing for consistent availability at club level.

Many viewers lauded Fabinho after the 0-0 draw, in which he kept Lionel Messi and co quiet in their 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Both nations are certainties to appear at next year’s competition in Qatar, where Fabinho will likely battle Casemiro for a spot in midfield.

On Wednesday, UOL published a headline highlighting Fabinho successfully ‘nullifying’ Messi’s threat in Casemiro’s absence.

The 28-year-old was celebrated for his ‘commanding’ display against one of the world’s best players.

UOL wasn’t the only Brazilian media outlet that heaped praise on the Liverpool star after his showing against Argentina.

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Globo Esporte also hailed Fabinho, naming him their Man of the Match with a seven rating for his impressive display.

They wrote: “The best Brazilian player, practically insurmountable at the front.

“He made seven tackles, won nine duels on the ground and still had the quality to find passes and turnarounds, even when pressured.”

And Fabinho must now carry his form into club level ahead of a critical run of games in Liverpool’s Premier League title bid.

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He’s featured in just six of the Reds’ 11 league games so far this term as part of an ever-changing midfield due to injuries.

There are question marks over Jordan Henderson and James Milner ahead of Saturday’s clash against Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones are still sidelined, and Harvey Elliott has only just returned to training after a lengthy lay-off.

But amid the problems, Liverpool must pick up their Premier League form after dropping five points in their last two games.

Fabinho consistently acting as Klopp’s defensive midfielder would serve as a significant boost, with ground to make up at the league summit.

Liverpool are currently fourth and trailing leaders Chelsea by four points in a closely-contested title race so far.

Mohamed Salah’s inspired form will help supporters believe they can achieve anything this season, though, and it’s a big reason as to why they’re the league’s top scorers on 31 goals.

Ending Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten run at Anfield this weekend would be the perfect way for Klopp’s side to begin the always-hectic stretch of games over the winter.

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