This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Liverpool dominated in their victory over Tottenham, and Fabinho was key to their imperious showing.
The Brazilian has impressed on several occasions this year, leading some fans to discuss whether he is the best defensive midfielder in the world.
Whilst that is up for debate, one thing is certain, and that is the fact that Spurs couldn’t live with him, despite the quality they had in attacking areas.
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His presence in the middle was vital to the Reds in both defence and attack, limiting the visitors to just four shots on target and a 32% share of the ball, whilst Liverpool created numerous chances throughout and controlled proceedings from the moment Harry Kane put his side ahead.
In fact, the manner in which Sissoko was able to storm past the Brazilian in the build up to Tottenham’s opener was the only bone to pick from the 26-year-old’s performance; he was otherwise pivotal, as his stats from WhoScored evidence.
As is typical of Fabinho this term, he excelled in possession and his range of passing allowed him to play a crucial role in the win, with five successful long balls matching his usual average of 4.7 per game this campaign.
That makes him a very effective member of the team, as he is often able to find the front three in dangerous positions, or, as he did against Spurs, provide the killer ball to set-up Jordan Henderson for the equaliser.
Other than Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp lacks the presence a midfielder who is able to make key passes on a regular basis.
He currently averages 1.3 key passes per game in the league, while James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaludm offer 0.5, 0.3 and 0.1 respectively,
The Brazilian manages to offer a creative outlet from a deep position in midfield, where he is also able to fulfil another imperative role.
The protection he provides for the defence is a big reason why the Reds have improved so much defensively. Alisson and van Dijk often receive the plaudits and both were nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but Fabinho provides a great screening to the defensive unit.
He is immense in the tackle and reads the game just as well. Spurs operated on the counter but got no luck due to the way Fabinho broke up play, with four tackles and three interceptions, and no other player bettered him in either department.
To obtain such stats when his team had the majority of the ball is some feat, and his form of late suggests he is worthy of the “world-class” label some pundits and fans have attributed to him.