'An absolute must' - Paul Merson names Liverpool player 'holding' Jurgen Klopp's team together

Paul Merson has highlighted why Fabinho is the most important player for Liverpool despite the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah all potentially earning this title.

The Liverpool number three is among the best in the world in the deeper-lying midfield role where he offers himself as a shield to the defence. Fabinho 's contribution to the team allows for the likes of Thiago to attack and create.

After playing 48 games in all competitions for Liverpool last season, Sky Sports pundit Merson believes the 28-year-old is the one player whose absence is felt the most when he doesn't play.

Merson told Sportskeeda: "I’m going to go out of the box here and pick a player whose absence caused Liverpool to struggle. If Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah do not play, Liverpool still manage to win. Fabinho, however, is a necessity in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

“Liverpool’s midfield isn’t particularly strong, and Fabinho holds his team together admirably. He’s an absolute must in the midfield three and has played pivotal roles in their best performances this season.

“With all the talent that Liverpool have on the pitch, we forget that Alisson has made so many brilliant saves for them this season. I could’ve gone with Salah or Van Dijk, but this lad makes big saves at big times in big football matches – more so than any other goalkeeper.”

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