Liverpool midfielder Fabinho says he is now ready to make his debut for the club whenever they need him after being handed an extra period of time to adapt following his summer move from Monaco.
The Brazilian joined the ‘Reds’ from the Monegasque side in the summer for a fee of around £44m, but surprisingly has yet to play a minute of Premier League football so far this season.
The versatile 25-year-old featured throughout pre-season, but manager Jurgen Klopp opted to take a patient approach as he looks to ensure the Samba star completely adapts to life in the Premier League.
However, speaking to ‘Globo Esporte’, Fabinho says that he now feels ready to make his English league bow whenever the German sees fit.
“My start has been good, good adaptation. The pre-season was very good, we had nine friendlies and I played nine,” he explained.
“It was good to play against English teams to see what the rhythm, the intensity and the physique is like.
“I am adapting to the team’s style of play. The more experienced players have helped me, the technical team as well.
“My wife and I are liking the city, we already have a home. Firmino is being a great guy, his family has given a good support to me and Alisson.
“It’s been fine. Having Brazilians in the team helps. Now I’m ready to make the debut. I’m fine, training well and prepared.”
Fabinho was on the bench against West Ham on the opening day, but was left out of the squad completely for Liverpool’s last three league games.
That proved no problem for the ‘Reds’ as they strung together four wins in a row to given an early indication as to their intention to fight for the title this season.
Klopp admitted recently that his reason for leaving Fabinho out was to give him time to adapt, saying: “It is about players understanding the position and who else is available as well – otherwise Fabinho would have been involved in the squad, as he was in the first week.
“That is it. It is different football to what he is used to but he is improving already with big steps. I can see that in the sessions and that is cool.
“Fabinho is used to playing at a high level in France. It is not about who we play but about how we play. For sure it is not nice for a new player. It never was but it is all fine.”