Forgotten Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne admits Fabinho brings him extra competition for his place, but that’s something he relishes.
The 27-year-old has had a torrid time with injuries at Anfield, making just five appearances in all competitions last season and seeing youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold shine in his place.
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Now Clyne has to contend with summer signing Fabinho as well, with the Brazilian an option for us both in defensive midfield and full-back.
Clyne isn’t worried, however, as he believes competition in a squad is healthy, though you have to admit it surely isn’t good news for his prospects, barring something of a miracle comeback.
‘He (Fabinho) looks like a good signing. He can play central midfield and do a job at right-back,’ Clyne told the Express.
‘It gives us more competition, which every team needs, it’s healthy.’
The former Southampton man certainly has his qualities, but with Trent undoubtedly one of the top young talents in the country right now and playing such a key role in us finding such superb balance last term, it’s hard to imagine Jurgen Klopp changing things too much.
Fabinho seems likely to operate in midfield most of the time, but if he’s an option on the right then it’s easy to imagine he’ll be in the manager’s thinking before Clyne for now.