Pre-Season

Scout Report – Fabinho

Liverpool have bolstered their midfield ranks with the £40m capture of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from Monaco.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder, who can also play at right-back, is seen as a direct replacement for the out-of-contract Emre Can, who is expected to leave Anfield this summer.

The Reds have already agreed a club-record deal to sign RB Leipzig star Naby Keita, who will officially become a Liverpool player on 1 July.

The transfers of Fabinho and Keita help address the lack of midfield depth available to Jurgen Klopp this season, with Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Adam Lallana currently the only fit and available senior options – given Can’s likely departure and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s serious knee injury – in the middle of the park.

Upon signing for the Reds, Fabinho said:

“I play with a lot of intensity and I’m quite strong in man-marking. Unfortunately, occasionally I get some yellow cards for that, but I think that won’t be a problem here. I know that the type of football here is quite intense and physical, but I think I got some of that while playing in France and I hope I won’t find any problems to adapt to this league.”

The History

Fabinho’s career began with Fluminense in his native Brazil, though he left the Rio de Janeiro side without making a senior appearance.

Signing a long-term deal with Portuguese club Rio Ave in 2012, Fabinho was soon after loaned out to Real Madrid B, where he made his professional debut at the start of the 2012/13 season.

Fabinho made 30 Segunda Division appearances for RM Castilla that season, scoring twice, though his only involvement with the senior team was a 14-minute cameo in Real’s 6-2 win over Malaga towards the end of the campaign – the 19-year-old loanee setting up Angel di Maria for Madrid’s final goal.

Two years on loan at Monaco followed, before the Ligue I club made Fabinho’s move permanent in May 2015. The Brazilian made 167 league appearances for Les Monegasques in all, scoring on 23 occasions.

Fabinho also featured 38 times for Monaco in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, scoring four goals, while his Brazil bow came soon after his move to the French principality became permanent. Fabinho has four caps for the national side, though won’t be part of coach Tite’s squad in Russia this summer.

The Prospects

With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson already to select from, and more incoming players to add to that mix, Fantasy managers will have to carefully pick and choose their Liverpool assets next season.

On the face of it, Fabinho wouldn’t be a serious candidate for one of those three permitted slots. The Brazilian’s duties will predominantly be of a defensive nature, sitting in front of the Liverpool back four and carrying out the necessary dirty work.

Only four Ligue I players who appeared in more than one fixture made more tackles per game than Fabinho (3.4) this season, while his rate of 1.7 fouls per game was the highest in the Monaco squad.

The player himself has alluded to his tendency to accumulate cautions, having picked up eight yellow cards this season and 25 overall since his switch to Monaco was made permanent three years ago. Fabinho was dribbled past more times (an average of 1.9 per game) than any of his team-mates this season, with many of his fouls occurring while chasing back and attempting to regain possession.

Fabinho has, however, never been dismissed in his senior career.

At 6’2”, Fabinho is in the rangy Patrick Vieira mould of defensive midfielder. A squad-high total of 99 aerial duels won highlights his aptitude in the air, while the more attack-minded Rony Lopes and Thomas Lemar (both 46) were the only Monaco players to make a higher number of successful dribbles (37) than Fabinho this season.

A total of 1,980 attempted passes was bettered by just five other players in Ligue I, though Fabinho only made a key pass once every 85 minutes – contrast that with the averages of Paul Pogba (55), Yohan Cabaye and Jonjo Shelvey (both 57) playing in similarly deep midfield roles this season. A total of eight assists across three seasons wouldn’t excite many Fantasy managers, either.

We are, of course, yet to discuss the main upside to Fabinho’s game: penalties. Since making his move from Rio Ave permanent in 2015, Fabinho has scored all 17 of the spot-kicks he has taken for Monaco in Ligue I.

While Fabinho would by no means be assured of penalty-taking duties at Anfield, Liverpool’s chronic failure from the spot this season – Firmino (twice), Salah and Milner have all missed from 12 yards in league or cup – would automatically stand him in good stead.

Fabinho’s goal threat from elsewhere is minimal, averaging a shot only once every 122.4 minutes. All 23 of his goals for Monaco have come from inside the area, suggesting the Brazilian midfielder is not a real threat from distance.

Having featured in at least 34 league fixtures for Monaco in each of the last four seasons, there is little concern regarding fitness or injury – an important factor as Liverpool once again fight on four fronts in 2018/19.

All in all, Fabinho’s appeal to Fantasy managers will largely boil down to whether or not he will be Liverpool’s designated penalty taker next season. The comparisons with another defensive midfielder on spot-kick duties, Luka Milivojevic, are obvious, though it is pertinent to note that, while Crystal Palace were awarded a league-high of ten penalties this season, Liverpool were given just three.

Fabinho’s penchant for a tackle and the high number of passes he makes (a success rate of 86.3% for Monaco this season) would reflect well on the Bonus Points System (BPS), though a lack of key passes and a propensity to collect yellow cards would equally dent his appeal.

83 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Off the beaten track attacking players worth thinking about in the WC IMO:

    Isco - if classed as a midfielder - another with a good goal scoring record
    Ozil - different player for Germany and gets goals
    Werner - good goalscoring record when starting games
    Di Maria - if he plays then he will get goals and assists
    Fellaini - crap player IMO and yellow cards a problem, but he scores and assists for Belgium off those long balls and crosses
    Welbeck - another crap player IMO, but somehow he gets goals (better to be lucky than good)
    Eriksen - critical to Denmark both in terms of goals and assists
    Perisic - decent goalscoring and assist record for Croatia (particularly if classed as a midfielder)
    Sigurdsson - if Iceland are going to score this guy will be the man for them
    Victor Moses - gets forward for Nigeria and is an attacking outlet
    Grosicki - if Poland are going to get out of the group then he is going to have to keep up his assist and goalscoring record
    Tadic - frustrating but plays better for Serbia than Southampton
    Shaqiri - another frustrating player, but has the class to score / assist

    1. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Welbeck will be lucky to get an appearance point

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        As I said, crap player IMO. But for England he somehow scores goals even when he comes off the bench.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGzUaLYt64I

        1. Tommytour
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Would be silly to pick a sub for starters, same with Fellaini.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Decent options. I have Moses in my watchlist atm. The Eng game might have put me off though and Iwobi might be a better punt.

      I was looking at getting Pavon (Arg) but I think De Maria is a safer option.

      Erikssen is probably the best as he will play all games and is so consistent.

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Isco should probably be in every team. A few other ones look good too depending on fixtures.

  2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Looks a bit reedy for the prem in that pick?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      *picture

  3. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Spain vs Switzerland tonight should be a decent game.

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      is it on tv anywhere

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Sky Sports

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        In the UK - SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, TalkSport Radio UK

      3. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        ESPN 3 / Deportes in the US.

      4. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cuatro here in Spain

      5. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        http://www.live-footballontv.com

        Top site

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          What is Foot Ballon?

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      cheers kodi time i think

  4. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Do not forget to tune into the greatest show on earth.

    Highlights of the Isle of Mann TT are on at 21:00 on ITV4 every night until next Saturday.

    Great to see Micheal Dunlop winning the opening Superbike race onboard the Tyco BMW.What better tribute to give to his team mate and Manx legend Dan Kneen who was tragically killed during practice on Wednesday.

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Mad mans game that road racing..

      Them pov videos are scary

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Wish it was on over here in the States. I'll have to watch the YouTube highlights they post daily.

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        The big TV company's seem to shy away from the sport over the high death and injury rate i suppose.

        It is not been shown live anywhere for instance dispute having a cult following and being thoroughly exhilarating to watch.

        Here is the superbike race from yesterday if you are interested.
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQFaORjCXEA

        1. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Great thanks!

        2. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Thanks again OGIE! That was awesome!!!!

    3. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      This documentary on the IOM TT is unreal. If you have the time to watch it, it's highly recommended...

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihH5uDUaqRE

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cool watch. Thanks for the recommendation

    4. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Makes me want to go and live there watching that. Bit like the the tour dear France does.

    5. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lunatics....... They really have no fear whatsoever

      I guy who worked with me many years ago got killed road racing

  5. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Samuel Umtiti extends Barcelona contract until 2023 as France defender rejects interest from Man United to remain at Nou Camp.

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Thank goodness. Manutd need to spend on a great passing CM only. Having 5 CBs is enough already

      1. UshFPL
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Those centre backs arent good enough though

    2. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      We were just being used to get a higher salary as usual

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Good.

        Never rated him.

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Why not? He's a class above everything United have.

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Not in the top bracket and that’s what we need.

            Just my opinion 🙂

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Rejects interest from Man United

      Is this a standard line for journalists when writing about transfers

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Sometimes it says Chelsea there.

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        They seem to be in for anyone and everyone. Desperate times

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          no one wants to play for Mourinho any more. Hes a cancer on this club.

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Yer . Players seem to just decline at that club

  6. Big P
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Has the official WC game been released yet?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ban

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Have you checked?

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Of course he hasn't. Keep seeing the same questions over and over ffs

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty sure we all know what the P stands for in his name...

  7. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this Portugal side? The bookies seem to like them but with that defence I just can't see them getting anywhere - those two centre backs are ancient and will surely get destroyed by this slick Spain side.

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Much like Argentina were in March.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      May as well get their defence/attack after the Spain game.

    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Look at the Portugal team that won the Euros 2 years ago.

      They were not anywhere close to the best team but everything just fell into place for them.

      The best team doesn’t always win.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed - but this Portugal side is very much the same side as two years ago, but with Andre Silva and all two years closer to retirement.

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          True but with tournament football, you just never know 🙂

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        That tournament was ridiculous letting 3rd place teams go through in the group stages.

      3. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Best team wins World Cup

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Nope, not always.

    4. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Very limited team but with Ronaldo in the team they can make the QF and just try to ride their luck from then on

  8. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hey has the McD... SLAP. Ouch!

  9. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    For those asking about the McDs game it opens to the general public on the 7th June but those who are keen to get in early can go down to there local McDonalds, purchase 10 Big Mac and they will give you a link & password to get your team entered early.

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Can confirm.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Is he not playing for Germany in the WC?

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      And all the Big Macs have to be delivered to my house.

    3. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm really full.....

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Shocking.

      I refuse to watch it now.

  10. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    My son just asked me if I could make him a Rage Against The Machine CD for the car. He is 7. How awesome is that..?

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hope your answer wasn't :FU i won't do what you tell me........

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Haha! It wasn't.

      2. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Love your Grav by the way.

  11. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    In Telegraph World Cup game is it best strategy to

    A Start with 3 Uruguay defenders for Egypt and Saudi Arabia games then transfer to Spain defence for Iran and Morocco games or

    B Mix it up with 2 Uruguay and 2 France defenders for their easier round 1 and 2 games and transfer to 2 Spain and 2 Brazil for their easier round 2 and 3 games

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      * in A would actually be 4 including Uruguay goalkeeper

    2. Nick P
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Personally I'm keeping a set defence and using all of my transfers to bring in that day's best attackers

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, there's definitely more than one way to skin a cat as they say...

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      All depends on your budget, I prefer option B personally but people have been thinking about A (block defence) here:
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/18227239

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      This might be useful here:
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/18230318

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks that’s helpful

    5. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      So many strategies and options available with those transfers.

      Current strat has 3 for Uruguay's first 2 games. 2 for France's first 2. 5 for Spain's second game. 3 for Spain's third game.

      You can get lost on it for hours...

  12. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Scotland and Northern Ireland touring Central/South America....did they get a Groupon voucher or something?

    I'm sure the players were *so* disappointed when they announced this tour and had to cancel there holiday plans to some generic tourist resort in Spain...although Scotland showing how crap they are all around the World. Och aye.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It is kinda funny 😆

  13. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Guerrero scores for Peru.

    Could be a nice little option in Maccy Ds

  14. buffrey
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    SKY game potential for sure for those that play.

    And if you don’t you really should next season!

  15. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Strange, not a single post about Fabinho....