Liverpool’s stand-in center-back Fabinho said he can partially fill the gap left by the injured Virgil van Dijk after an excellent performance against Ajax.
Virgil van Dijk is on a long-term injury and he is set to spend months on the sidelines after he suffered a serious knee ligament injury following a challenge from Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby with Everton.
Currently, the Brazilian, Fabinho is a stand-in center-back for the injured Netherlands defender. During the Champions League match against Ajax, he made an excellent performance including a very memorable goal-line clearance.
He said, “of course I am not Virgil. He is the best defender in the world right now. The manager said to me I have to talk more to try and organize the team. Sometimes I have to get the second balls and be ready to press. In this role, I must try to do my best”.
“When I knew Virgil was out for a long time, I was shocked. This because first of all, he is the best defender right now. But most of all, he is a leader in the team and in the dressing room”.
“He also makes sure the mood is good. A good atmosphere and we will miss this. But I have got to do a little of what Virgil does. I must try to organize the team. To talk to the team and try to be a leader”.
“Tactically at centre back, I have to always be ready for the long balls. But I will do my best. It was very important for me and the team to keep a clean sheet here”.
With Van Dijk sidelined for the most part of the season, plenty have tipped Liverpool to grab the opportunity and sign a new defender in the January transfer window.