Liverpool’s decline in form coincided with subpar performances from their Brazilian midfielder Fabinho. Although he isn’t the only one to take the blame, it’s his physical condition that’s worrying. According to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, Fabinho will never be able to return to his previous high level because his “legs have gone”.”It’s quite strange. We were talking about Fabinho about 18 months ago as being the best defensive midfielder in world football. He just looks like he can do all the same things apart from the legs. You know when you’re a midfielder, and your legs just start to go, and you can’t get around the pitch as much as you would like. That’s what it looks like.”We know you’re in demand but please keep yourself free for Valentine’s Day 2023 @MicahRichards.. 💔 pic.twitter.com/IeBAJJodgz— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 2, 2022 Fabinho’s problems get apparent when he’s the only defensive midfielder on the pitch. “It was difficult at times when Fabinho’s played alongside Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott, two more offensive-minded players. In the past, he was playing with Jordan Henderson or Thiago, players who do more defensive work.”Fabinho has made the joint-highest amount of appearances for Liverpool this year, alongside Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. He has already played 19 matches in all competitions, but the question of quality is much more important than quantity.##NAJAVA_MECA_6777506##Richards is not the only one to notice Fabinho’s decline. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, now a media pundit, said that the Brazilian resembled a ghost during the Reds’ shocking home defeat to Leeds United.”A big problem is the midfield. Teams get to the back four too easily. It’s so open and so unorganised. The midfield is not in the position midfield players should be in. Teams get at the back four early. You expect that late, not early. People said the midfield would be a problem for Liverpool. Fabinho has been miles off the pace.”
