Xabi Alonso identifies similarities in style with Fabinho

Xabi Alonso believes he shares similar traits with current Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.

Both deep-lying midfielders have now lifted the European trophy in a Reds shirt, with Alonso part of the Rafa Benitez side that won it in 2005.

And the Spaniard thinks Fabinho’s understanding of the game means he can play anywhere on the pitch.

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BLACKBURN, UNITED KINGDOM – DECEMBER 06: Xabi Alonso of Liverpool celebrates scoring the first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park on December 6, 2008 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

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“I think that we could have similarities in terms of the position, in terms of how we want to connect with the players around, how he makes the players around him better players, making them play easier and play better,” Alonso said.

“Taking many small, correct decisions is part of being a midfielder and he does it very well.”

On his experience of playing against Fabinho, Alonso added: “He came to Madrid and you could see that technically he was very good, physically he was very good, but he was playing right-back.

“I think that he can play everywhere because of his understanding of the game and he is able to read what’s going to happen and how he wants to do it, but I think the step he made in Monaco was beautiful.

“Playing that midfield role, he’s able to connect to the close ones, to the farther ones and I really like the way he plays: his understanding of the game, he’s involved in the game, taking the small decisions but ticking in all of the moments and I think that’s the job of a midfielder.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com