With Casemiro suspended for the South American classic between Argentina and Brazil last night, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho had a chance to start and prove himself.
It turns out that the 28-year-old ended up doing great, being pointed out by most of his home country’s media as the best man on the pitch.
Outlet UOL features a headline today claiming Fabinho ‘nullified Messi’ and ‘commanded the midfield’ in Brazil’s performance last night.
Taking a few stats, the outlet shows that the Liverpool player was the one with the most completed passes and the one who spent the most time with the ball in his feet, with his defensive performance also getting praised as well.
After the 0-0 draw, many Brazilians went on social media to claim that Messi was still in Fabinho’s pocket, as the Argentine star wasn’t able to create anything.
Meanwhile, website Globo Esporte also choose Fabinho as the man of the match. In a story with ratings for all players, they gave him a 7 and praised his performance.
“The best Brazilian player, practically insurmountable at the front. He made seven tackles, won nine duels on the ground and still had the quality to find passes and turnarounds, even when pressured.”
