One of Liverpool’s best partnerships was on show at Anfield in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.
Though Jurgen Klopp had to battle with several injury concerns ahead of the game, the midfield comprised of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, and Thiago helped Liverpool dominate the Gunners.
And in the form of Thiago and Fabinho, the Reds have what looks to be an all-conquering midfield duo.
After the match, football writer Andrew Beasley highlighted the pair’s unbeaten record when starting together in midfield, now standing at 11 wins and one draw - a statistic not lost on Liverpool fans across social media.
That the pair have been limited to just 12 starts alongside each other is due to both Liverpool’s centre-back crisis last season, leading to Fabinho filling in at the back, and Thiago’s own injury problems.
The Spanish midfielder has used the international break to get back up to match sharpness, following his recovery from the calf complaint that he suffered in September.
Despite the absences of Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, James Milner, Harvey Elliott, and doubts over Jordan Henderson somewhat forcing Klopp’s hand, it also helped demonstrate a comparison from last season.
The impact of Liverpool’s injury crisis last term is showcased by the fact that Thiago and Fabinho had a record of four draws and four defeats, according to Transfermarkt, when Fabinho started at centre-back.
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Having endured a frustrating start to his Liverpool career through injury, Jurgen Klopp backed Thiago to overcome those obstacles when he discussed the midfielder in September.
“He came here, got COVID, got injured early and stuff like this. That, of course, makes things more difficult but he showed what kind of player he can be for us and will be for us,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“So, there's a lot more to come, of course. Maybe it's now a year [since he arrived] but if you want it's actually only half a year because of all the things that happened around.
“Coming to a new club in the most difficult period of all our lives, he settled really well despite that. His family is here, loves it here.
“He's in the middle of the team – it was very quick the case – and he's a really good character and really good personality and obviously a world-class player.”
