What Fabinho has wanted most at Liverpool - and how two players have helped

Fabinho has explained how assuming greater responsibility became one of his targets during a rollercoaster debut season at Liverpool.

And the Brazilian has revealed the key role compatriots Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker have played in helping him blossom under Jurgen Klopp.

Fabinho has become a key figure for Liverpool since agreeing a move worth almost £40million from Monaco in May 2018.

The midfielder struggled during the opening months of his Reds career but went on to feature prominently in the second half of the campaign, culminating with a starting role in the Champions League final win over Tottenham Hotspur in June.

“Even when I wasn’t playing, I already knew I had to work hard because I knew if I played a few games on the trot, I could become an important player for the team,” said Fabinho.

“I think I’ve shown that and it’s also something I wanted – to have more responsibility in the team, to keep improving as a player. I’ve always aspired to that, and the manager trusts me more.

Fabinho takes to boxing to 'destroy' BT Sport's Script of the Season

“I finished last season strongly, I nearly always played. We cannot become complacent, we must keep wanting more, and that’s what I try to do.”

Fabinho reiterated his need to be patient during those difficult opening months and has spoken about the benefit of being able to communicate through Firmino and Alisson as he acclimatised to life in England.

Fabinho of Liverpool lifts the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

“I knew that the move would require me to adapt,” he said to UEFA.com. “To adapt to a new training method, to adapt to a new league, to adapt to a new country which is completely different from the one I was used to.

“In the beginning, I needed to be patient. I constantly looked to learn from my coaches and the players who had been playing here longer. I also think it was important that there were players from my country here who helped me to communicate.

“I needed to be patient at that time but it was also a good experience. So, after a year in Liverpool, I feel I’ve adapted to the country, I like the city.

“The league is excellent, for me it’s the best in the world. So, I needed to adapt, but once you do, things become easier.”