Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes that new manager Arne Slot has found the next Coutinho in Fabio Carvalho. Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp this summer, has had an impressive first pre-season, securing wins against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United during Liverpool’s US tour.
Despite missing key players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Darwin Nunez due to extended recovery periods from summer international tournaments, Slot has utilized several young talents. Fabio Carvalho has stood out among them, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Carvalho joined Liverpool from Fulham in the summer of 2022 but has only made 21 senior appearances for the club, scoring three goals. He spent time on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City, where he scored nine goals and provided two assists in the latter half of last season.
Now 21, Carvalho aims to secure a permanent spot in the Liverpool squad under Slot this season. His pre-season performances, including goals against Arsenal and Manchester United, suggest he is ready to make his mark.
Phil Thompson praised Carvalho, comparing him to former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho. “Carvalho scored two goals in the last [two games], against Arsenal, against Man United and he’s a very clever footballer, likes to get between the lines,” Thompson told talkSPORT. “I know he’s a bit lightweight, but he’s very much like Coutinho and he can deliver.”
Liverpool will play their final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at Anfield on Sunday before facing newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
