Fábio Carvalho’s Rise: Perfect Fit for Liverpool’s New Era | OneFootball

Fábio Carvalho Would Thrive Under Xabi Alonso or Rúben Amorim

After making a mental list of the potential attacking assets for Liverpool next season, it does appear that a window of opportunity is set to be opened for one player that was previously deemed surplus to requirements. As both Xabi Alonso and Rúben Amorim dominate the list of candidates set to replace the legendary Liverpool boss, Jürgen Klopp, it brings about multiple theories over which players would suit the new systems and which will not. Each of those noted coaches prefer a 3-4-3 formation, one that will more than likely bring the current Liverpool attacking wide players more inside, allowing each respective wing back the licence to dominate their flanks.

Opportunities to Arise

In such a scenario, I foresee Luis Díaz and perhaps Ryan Gravenberch struggling to adapt to the new endeavour, which would more than likely require a double pivot midfield behind. Such a shift would thus limit the use of the Dutch midfielder, who has often struggled with the rigours of the Premier League. Where one or two may struggle to make the cut in the adjusted and exciting enterprise ahead, the reds very own Fábio Carvalho could be the perfect blend of talent and desire who can emerge and rebuild his stature within Liverpool v2.0.

The Portuguese under-21 international is currently enjoying a brilliant loan spell at Championship side, Hull City, where he has amassed four goals in just eleven appearances since the new year. In the famous 4-3-3 system of the Klopp era, the former Fulham star was never the correct fit under that current regime, however, he may just be perfect for what comes next.

Photo: IMAGO

What Would Carvalho Offer?

Despite having harboured decades of reservations over players drafted into the famed 10 position, that was more a fear of such persons cheating and taking advantage of their ‘free role’ in the centre of the park. Former greats such as Mesut Özil would often coast through games (at Arsenal specifically) and only ignite when in possession of the ball, whereas under the circumstances of this presumed new system at Anfield, it would be a completely different role.

At both Sporting Lisbon and Bayer Leverkusen, such loose forwards work tirelessly off the ball, whilst creating carnage and attacking opportunities when in possession. The unpredictable nature of the twin 10’s would fit the skill set perfectly for an evolving Mohamed Salah, an unsure Cody Gakpo, a developing Harvey Elliott, and the outrageously gifted Dominik Szoboszlai.

Concerning Fábio Carvalho, he may well be the ideal fit, which may unleash venomous moments that can benefit both player and club alike. As a link player immersed between and rampant striker and twin loose forward, who would operate inside an end-to-end wing back, and ahead of a solid midfield pivot, the ability to explore the limitless potential of the 21-year-old is tantalising, which is why I would choose to see a 2024/25 season of exploration.

The goal getting tendencies and creative nature of the English born attacker make a place in next seasons group almost nailed on, which will definitely be something that Michael Edwards will see. As a homegrown entity that can be built to flourish under the new manager, there is zero downside in exploring the opportunity.

At the start of this campaign, I was completely dismissive of the young man’s ability to contribute, given his lack of powerful wing play needed to operate under Klopp. In new and varied surroundings, the landscape looks far brighter for the highly regarded forward, therefore, if the new boss is one of the two, we are all expecting, then I would make an early prediction of Fábio Carvalho being the next talent to enjoy a breakout season.

Steven Smith