Since adding Thiago Alcantara to the Liverpool squad in the summer of 2020, Jurgen Klopp has not been able to start him alongside Fabinho as often as he might have liked. But when the two pair up in midfield, the effects are unreal.
Thiago arrived at Anfield in September 2020, but his debut was delayed by him getting Covid. Finally, in October, he was ready to play – and he lined up alongside Fabinho for the derby against Everton at Goodison Park on October 17.
The game ended 2-2, but it is remembered less for the result than the infamous injuries to Thiago and Virgil van Dijk – caused by challenges from Richarlison and Jordan Pickford respectively – that left Liverpool’s best-laid plans in tatters.
Thiago spent two and a half months on the sidelines. But even when he came back, he could not be paired with Fabinho in midfield as the Brazilian was providing cover for the injured Van Dijk.
Finally, though, Fabinho and Thiago were able to join forces in midfield for the Champions League last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig in March 2021 and the foundations of a brilliant partnership were laid.
Liverpool won that game 2-0 with second-half goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah that saw the Reds progress 4-0 on aggregate.
Since then, Liverpool has had an incredible record when Thiago and Fabinho have played together in midfield from the start, losing just once in 25 games.
Even more impressive, however, is how emphatically Liverpool seems to triumph when the Brazilian and Spanish internationals are alongside each other.
Even though neither man is known for rattling the onion bag with great frequency, the solid platform and forward thrust they provide from midfield means Liverpool has averaged 2.68 goals per game when the pair start together.
As you might expect, Liverpool also concedes very few goals when Thiago and Fabinho link up.
Below, you can see the full statistical breakdown of a brilliant partnership. If Klopp can keep the pair fit for the next month, Liverpool might even get their hands on the much-talked-about quadruple.
