Fabinho snubs Sadio Mane, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema as he names 7 Liverpool stars in his best XI
Al-Ittihad midfielder Fabinho has unveiled his best XI of former teammates, notably omitting high-profile names like Kylian Mbappe while including seven players from his time at Liverpool. Apart from Mbappe, the Brazil international also left out former teammate Sadio Mane and current teammate Karim Benzema.
Fabinho spent five seasons at Liverpool between 2018 and 2023, playing an important role in the No. 6 role and winning every major trophy during his time at the Merseyside club, except the UEFA Europa League.
Before moving to Anfield, he plied his trade at Ligue 1 side Monaco, where he shared the locker room with Mbappe and Bernardo Silva. Fabinho and Mbappe were integral to Monaco's remarkable 2016-17 Ligue 1 title triumph, where they defied expectations to outpace PSG and claim the championship.
Fabinho was asked to pick his best XI of teammates by One Football. Unexpectedly, he left out hisformer Liverpool teammates like Sadio Mane, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Georginio Wijnaldum. Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, along with many of his Brazilian teammates, couldn’t find a room, too.
Fabinho chose his compatriot Alisson Becker in goal. Liverpool defenders dominated the defensive area, as the Al-Ittihad man chose Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Roberson. Thiago Silva was picked alongside Van Dijk instead of the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
In midfield, Fabinho chose himself alongside Jordan Henderson and Bernardo Silva, excluding Georginio Wijnaldum. In attack, Mohamed Salah got the nod on the right wing. Bobby Firmino would lead the line over Kylian Mbappe, while Neymar Jr got the left-wing position over Sadio Mane.
Fabinho left Liverpool for Al-Ittihad in 2023 for a reported fee of €46.7 million. He has scored twice and provided four assists for the Saudi Pro League side in 42 appearances across competitions.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate on Kylian Mbappe’s form at Real Madrid
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has given his take on Kylian Mabppe's form since joining Real Madrid. Mbappé has struggled for form at the Spanish club and has also been embroiled in off-field controversies, including being at the centre of a rape accusation in Sweden.
However, Konaté believes his compatriot demeanor has remained unchanged since his move to the Spanish capital. He acknowledged that the mental demands of the transfer might have been challenging for Mbappé but emphasised that this perspective is purely his personal opinion. Konate told Canal Football Club:
"Has Mbappe changed since his transfer to Real Madrid? He's like before, like I've always known him. Nothing has changed. He still has the same joy of life, this desire in training to score, dribble and do what he knows how to do. On a daily basis, I don't see any difference, even if I'm not with him every day,"
He added:
"If it was too much for him mentally? It could be, but that's my opinion. Now, if he thinks so deep down, it's up to him to discuss it with people, to talk about it, but after that I have no idea. Only he knows what's deep down inside him ."
Mbappe has eight goals and two assists in 16 games across competitions for Los Blancos this season.