messi football kit kids ¡°[It was important] that we could create a free player more easily, that we could find him in an easier way. From there, we would have better movements in there to attack their last line. But especially that midfield play [had to improve].¡±

The solution lay not only on the training field, but in the transfer market.

Less than 48 hours after the Champions League final, Fabinho was recruited from Monaco to bolster Klopp¡¯s midfield options. With Naby Keita arriving from RB Leipzig on July 1, Liverpool had spent more than ¡ê90 million ($115m) on improving one of their target areas.

Still, it would take time. Fabinho¡¯s settling-in period was tough; he didn¡¯t start a league game until October and was often not even part of the matchday squad. Training was tough, and questions were asked.

Lijnders, a fluent Portuguese speaker, played a big role in ensuring the Brazilian remained focused and patient.

¡°To adapt to the intensity of our play, that takes time,¡± he says. ¡°Not many can do it, and in certain positions it is easier than others.

“If you are a front player and you come in, and you are used replica football shirts cheap to playing in an attacking way, then it is easier, depending on the specific attributes you have as a player.