What’s going on with Fabinho?

Liverpool’s new midfield man has yet to play a single minute this. What’s going on with the Brazilian?

Fabinho, the 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder, signed with Liverpool for 44 million Euros in the summer, and appeared in all nine of the team’s preseason matches. One problem: He’s yet to suit up for the squad in the Premier League.

Brought in as competition at the number 6 position, Fabinho made the bench in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend of the season but hasn’t featured in any of Liverpool’s other three matches.

The Brazilian was a key figure for Monaco and was brought over for a substantial fee, at a position of need for Jurgen Klopp’s side. So why hasn’t he played a minute all season?

It’s a simple question with a potentially complicated answer. The bedding-in process for transfers, especially from other leagues, can be tricky. Fabinho typically played in a double pivot at Monaco and would drop into the space vacated by the right-back as they provided width further up the field. This is almost antithetical to the system Klopp has installed at Liverpool. The Reds almost exclusively use a 4-3-3, with a deep-lying 6 operating as a single pivot. Both full-backs are tasked with getting up and down their respective flanks, but not to the extent required by Monaco’s system.

Georginio Wijnaldum started the season as Liverpool’s deepest midfielder, as Jordan Henderson was given an extended rest following the World Cup. Wijnaldum, surprisingly, has taken to the role quite well. His mobility, activity level in the center of the park and range of passing offer Liverpool a different quality to what Fabinho provides at the 6.

Wijnaldum operated as an attacking midfielder earlier in his career, and his propensity to drive forward either with the ball at his feet or by passing, gives Liverpool more dynamism, while still providing the necessary cover for the defense. Wijnaldum, along with James Milner, has held together the midfield during this early part of the schedule. Fabinho, meanwhile, is more of a pure defensive holding midfielder, something Klopp has eschewed for much of his tenure at the club.

Liverpool have won all four of their matches to open the campaign, so it’s hard to make an argument Klopp should make a change to the side. The defense has been rock-solid, conceding just one goal and that was largely due to a calamitous mistake by the goalkeeper than any structural issues. Fabinho’s ability to act as a shield to the back four and also to drop next to the center-backs as extra cover when the full-backs are caught out has largely not been needed.

Klopp proved last year he’s willing to give incoming transfers significant time to establish themselves with the club before inserting them into the lineup. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was acquired on deadline day in August 2017, but didn’t make his first league start until Nov. 4. He eventually became one of the first names on the team sheet and a pivotal piece in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final. Andy Robertson also had to wait his turn. He only made two appearances over the months of August, September, October and November before nailing down the left-back spot after Alberto Moreno’s injury.

Injuries could be the fastest way to get Fabinho in the lineup. Liverpool are reliant on the oft-injured Henderson and James Milner, who is 32 years old. Adam Lallana just picked up a groin strain while on England duty. Liverpool’s depth in the midfield is an asset, but even a few short-term injuries could sway the balance of the team.

Liverpool are embarking on a busy and competitive stretch of the season that sees them face Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea twice, Napoli, Tottenham and Manchester City. Klopp’s side have the ambition to compete for the league title and make deep runs in the cup competitions. Heavy squad rotation is anticipated, especially in the midfield.

Fabinho, who was called up to the Brazilian national team in the international break and started at right-back against the U.S. on Friday, will surely get his chance. He put in a tireless performance in Brazil’s 2-0 victory, looking imperious defensively, while offering an outlet going forward. He even drew the penalty that Neymar converted for the second goal. Fabinho’s quality is obvious. His versatility and wide array of skills will soon make him a regular in Liverpool’s XI. Patience will be key; his time will come.