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Football

07th Sep 2018

Fabinho itching to make Liverpool debut as he trials new position with Brazil

Matt Stanger

Fabinho has been left out of the squad for Liverpool’s last three matches.

But the Brazilian is hopeful that he will soon make his first appearance in a red shirt after insisting that his start to life at Anfield has been “very good” in an interview with Globo Esporte, as reported by Sport Witness.

Fabinho is currently with the Brazil squad as he prepares to win his fifth cap in a friendly against USA on Friday night.

The 24-year-old is expected to step in at right-back for the Selecao, highlighting the versatility that convinced Liverpool to pay £39m for his services in the summer.

“Having played more as a midfielder in the last two years at Monaco (it) might have led me further away from the possibility of playing in the World Cup,” said Fabinho after missing out on Tite’s team for the tournament in Russia.

“But there are other factors as well. It was difficult to get into that team, but maybe the change (of position) helped too (with a recall).”

Once the international break is over, Fabinho is firmly focused on staking a claim for a place at Liverpool.

Despite being omitted from Jurgen Klopp’s last three matchday squads, he still feels it has been a smooth adaptation to life in England.

“My start has been good, good adaptation. The pre-season was very good, we had nine friendlies and I played nine,” he said. 

“It was good to play against English teams to see what the rhythm, the intensity and the physique are like. The way the team played I got it right, the more experienced players helped me, the technical team as well.”

The former Monaco star, who helped the principality club to the Ligue 1 title in 2017, says compatriot Roberto Firmino has been helping him to settle in.

“Me and my wife are liking the city, we already have a home. Firmino is being a great guy, his family has given a good support to me and Alisson,” he added.

“It’s been fine. Having Brazilians in the team helps. Now it’s really to make the debut. I’m fine, training well and prepared.

“The English league, if not the best in the world, is among the two best. It has a much higher visibility than the French. 

“Liverpool are also a giant club, which I think helps keep me closer to the Seleção. But what’s really going to help is that I play and play very often at my club.”