Joe Cole has claimed Fabinho is going through a 'tricky period' at Liverpool while detailing why the midfielder is struggling for game-time with Brazil.
The 29-year-old was picked to start in Brazil's final group stage game against Cameroon yesterday evening, representing his first minutes in the tournament. But as one of nine changes for an essentially meaningless tie - Brazil were all but guaranteed top spot before kick-off after beating both Serbia and Switzerland - his inclusion in the team was more proof of his diminishing stature within the squad.
Tite has generally preferred Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, who remains a consistent performer for both club and country despite turning 30 in February. And former Chelsea and England midfielder Cole believes his main midfield rival Fabinho is going through a tricky patch at Liverpool.
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"I am surprised with how much Fred has played during this tournament," Cole told ITV's pre-match coverage. "Fabinho is going through a tricky period at Liverpool, he was majestic before this season. His ball retention was good, his forward passes were excellent.
"He is a little bit off form, but Fred is the surprise one for me. He seems to be a different player when he pulls on the Brazil shirt. He plays with freedom and pops up in some great positions in forward areas."
Fabinho's form with the Reds has no doubt dwindled in line with a drop in performance levels throughout the squad so far this season. The club have often been criticised for failing to address the imbalance in a position that has just two players considered to be of 'prime' age - and even then, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo have managed just 20 minutes of football between them.
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