Fabinho told why he is behind Fred and Casemiro for Brazil

Liverpool’s Fabinho told why he’s behind Fred in Brazil’s midfield battle

Even after three group games in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has only 90 minutes of playtime for Brazil in the tournament which came in the 1-0 loss against Cameroon. His national team manager, Tite, opts for the Manchester United combination of Fred and Casemiro in midfield.

His selection came through in a dead-rubber, game and still a lost cause too. However, Fabinho was one of the better players for his team on the pitch and gave Tite a reason or two to pick him in the upcoming games.

It is strange that a player of his calibre has to sit out in his prime playing days for his country at the World Cup. However, he has nobody but himself to blame, as for the club, he was going through an extremely lean patch, whereas his compatriots were shining for their local teams.

Fabinho and Casemiro in a training session for Brazil. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole speaking on ITV’s pre-match coverage via Liverpool Echo outlined why Fab is on the bench over Casemiro and Fred and here is what he said:

“Fabinho is going through a tricky period at Liverpool, he was majestic before this season. His ball retention was good, his forward passes were excellent. He is a little bit off form,”

Cole is undeniably spot-on with his view of the situation. Liverpool’s problems in the early part of the season can be attributed to inconsistent performances in the midfield, especially from the 29-year-old Brazilian.

Fabinho not so Fab of late

The defensive shape was left vulnerable on plenty of occasions this season, and the fact that Fabinho was not on his toes has seen the Reds fall prey to plenty of counter-attacks in the early part of the season.

However, after starting on the bench for a couple of games, Fabinho seemed to have found his feet again. But still, that did not come at the right time for him as he is still way back in the pecking order for Brazil. Nevertheless, every player goes through a lean patch, and it is about the comeback more than the setback.

Fabinho has not been at his usual level for Liverpool this season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

At this stage in his career, one would believe that Fabinho could find his usual self when he gets a competition or two for his place in the starting XI, and hence, signing a midfielder should be one of the top priorities for the Reds.

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Brazil are favourites to go all the way in the World Cup, and alongside Alisson, Fabinho could potentially fly back to Merseyside as World Cup winners. Hopefully, Liverpool’s #3 has more of a role to play in the Seleção Canarinho team.