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“Bullied players”- Liverpool legend reveals the club’s potent midfield combination under Klopp

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By Shrishh Attavar

Graeme Souness on what was Liverpool FC’s best midfield trio

Ever since Jurgen Klopp took over as the Liverpool manager, the gaffer has more often than not opted for a 4-3-3 formation with one holding and two central midfielders. The most used trio would include Fabinho as the defensive midfielder with Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson on either side of the Brazilian.

Prior to Fabinho’s arrival, it was James Milner in place of him as a starter and even that trio was fairly successful as well. Different times now at the club where we see Harvey Elliott get into the starting XI with Fab behind and Hendo aside.

Sky Sports interviewed Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool captain, and he discussed how the trio of Gini, Hendo, and James Milner was once the club’s best midfield triad. Surprising that he left Fabinho out, but that is his personal opinion.

Graeme Souness on what was Liverpool FC's best midfield trio.
James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson were energetic and relentless. (Image credits: Liverpool Echo)

Here is what he said via Liverpool Echo:

“The best midfield Liverpool had was Wijnaldum, Henderson and Milner – high energy, not technically brilliant, but just high energy and they bullied players.”

No Fab in the Fab Three?

Souness talked about how their high intensity and energy levels made them tough to go up against. One more thing to add here is the fact that Liverpool have not yet found a proper replacement for Wijnaldum who left the club back in 2021.

Not just him, Liverpool still do not have a replacement for Phillipe Coutinho, who left the club for Barcelona back in 2018. Moreover, Souness talked about the trio not being the best in terms of technicality but their strength and direct style of play was a major contributor to the Reds’ success at that time.

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho. (GETTY Images)

However, without Fabinho in that midfield, the Reds would probably not have had their UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles. The 29-year-old, even though going through a rough patch at the moment, is one of the most important players and an important part of the Klopp Jigsaw at Merseyside.

More Liverpool News:

Souness’ insights provide a unique perspective on the club’s midfield and its evolution over the years but the fact is that without Fab, Liverpool would not have been guaranteed to win the trophies they did otherwise.