Keown: Why Fabinho and Shaqiri have benefited the Reds so much

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Martin Keown says Reds’ midfielders Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri have added ‘authority’ to the centre of the park and increased competition for places.

Fabinho started back-to-back matches against Red Star Belgrade and Cardiff City, while Shaqiri scored his first competitive goal for the club on Saturday coming off the substitutes bench.

Keown, who knows a thing or two about putting in tackles, has been particularly impressed by the number three, who adapted slowly to life on Merseyside, but is now seeing the rewards for staying patient.

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Keown told the Daily Mail“Fabinho played well against Red Star, putting in some excellent tackles. He showed his authority in the Liverpool midfield.

“These two [Fabinho and Shaqiri] are creating real competition for the three midfield places at Anfield. Klopp now has plenty of options and when the squad players do well, it is beneficial for the whole group.”

Keown is absolutely spot on – the new arrivals have pushed the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner on to new levels, and the Reds are reaping the benefits. Title challenges are built on having excellent squad depth.

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