Fabinho Wants to Be the Best Defensive Midfielder in the World

For two seasons, Liverpool were the class of Europe, neck and neck with Manchester City in the Premier League and miles ahead of the rest of the field. Then, injuries and a step back. And now, a chance to rebound.

Some fans and pundits may not remember what this side is capable of when fully fit, but the players do—it’s why the Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker and Fabinho Tavares have all signed new deals this summer.

“Liverpool is the best place for me,” said midfield anchor ahead of the season opener against Norwich City. “They have a great team and one of the best managers in the world, the best conditions to play football.

“I think I can still improve. I feel important, I feel I am one of the best players in my position. I think if I have good conditions for the rest of my career, I believe I can be the best player in my position. That’s what I will try.”

In any list of the top five defensive midfielders in the game, Fabinho will be in it. The same goes for re-signed goalkeeper Alisson and right back Alexander-Arnold. The same can be said about a slew of other Liverpool stars.

If they can all stay fit—and if a few, like Fabinho hopes, can have their best seasons yet for the Reds—the 2021-22 season should be a memorable one, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for it to end with major silverware.

“Hopefully it will be my best season for the club,” Fabinho added. “I enjoy playing at centre half but my position is as a midfielder. Because the boys are back, hopefully they won’t need me to play in this position.”