According to a recent article by Neil Jones of GOAL.com, Fabio Carvalho, the 20-year-old Liverpool attacker, is in a pickle as he struggles to secure game time since the World Cup
Despite these obstacles, Jones believes Liverpool should continue to believe in Carvalho.
Expectations were high in the flurry of excitement that surrounded Carvalho’s signing from Fulham last year. Jurgen Klopp praised the youngster, saying he could “bring a stadium to its feet” and had a personality to match his performances.
Carvalho’s time at Liverpool has been underwhelming after ten months, with only four Premier League starts and eight appearances across all competitions. There has been speculation that he may leave the club in the summer, either on loan or permanently.
Jones brings to mind Carvalho’s impressive track record at Fulham, where he scored 11 goals in 38 games and was named to the PFA Championship Team of the Year. Despite the setbacks, Liverpool was able to secure a deal worth £5 million ($6.2 million) up front, with a further £3 million ($3.75 million) in add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause.
Carvalho showed early promise in pre-season games, and he made his competitive debut as a late substitute in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City. However, the season took a turn for the worse, and Liverpool’s established structures began to crumble. Key players lost form or were injured, leaving the team’s counter-pressing and midfield vulnerable.
Jones emphasizes Carvalho’s positional concerns as a significant issue, as he plays in a position that does not align with Klopp’s 4-3-3 system. In Liverpool’s current setup, the youngster’s natural position as a No.10 is unattainable, leaving him trapped between positions.
Despite rumors of a summer departure, Klopp has stated that Carvalho has made “significant improvements” this season. GOAL understands the player’s dissatisfaction, and a loan move next season is considered a strong possibility.
Given his talent and potential, it would be a mistake to label Carvalho’s Liverpool career a failure. He is still developing at the age of 20 and could play an important role in Klopp’s future plans. Liverpool and Carvalho should not give up on each other just yet, as the youngster’s journey at Anfield is far from over.
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