Fabinho has run the rule over his debut season at Liverpool, branding his maiden campaign at Anfield a memorable one.
The £40million signing from Monaco initially found it tough to break into the team under Jurgen Klopp and didn't make his first Premier League start until the end of October in a 4-1 win against Cardiff.
After gradually working his way into the team, Fabinho finished the season with 41 appearances across all competitions that included the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League final on June 1.
The defensive midfielder's presence in the starting lineup has also freed Jordan Henderson up to act in a more box-to-box midfield role over the last few months and the Brazilian is more than pleased with his efforts.
The 25-year-old admitted he found it difficult adjusting in the early going, but believes he is now an important figure in the European champions' squad.
"Overall I think my first season at Liverpool was good," he told Liverpoolfc.com . "In my first season I knew there would be a learning and settling-in period. I went through this.
"It didn't last that long but I remember it wasn't easy starting afresh, I was left out for a few matches.
"Even though I was telling myself that I needed to work hard and be patient, it's not easy being out of the team. But that's in the past now, I started playing more.
"The more you play, the more you can enjoy your football. I think I became an important part of the team, I gave the manager another option he could depend upon.
"So I think it was a really good season."
A key part of Fabinho 's ability to settle into life at Anfield was his relationship with Sadio Mane, with both Reds players speaking French, and the former Monaco man detailed the importance of last season's 26-goal attacker to Klopp's way of playing.
He added: " Sadio Mane is a genuinely impressive player, he's tireless, playing in every game with such high levels of intensity and concentration.
"His technical ability goes without saying, he always makes a difference for us.
"He's a complete player – he gives you the option of a short pass or a long ball, he contributes to the build-up and creation of play as well.
"He's a great player in amazing form, which is really important for his confidence.
"Off the pitch I chat with him quite a bit as we both speak French, my French is still better than my English.
"He's a great lad. Sadio has been a really important player for us this season."
