Fabio Carvalho will seemingly have to overcome a disagreement over his position with new manager Arne Slot if he is to earn a regular first team place at Liverpool next season. The Portuguese youngster is now looking to establish himself at Anfield two years after signing from Fulham, having spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and then Hull City.
The 21-year-old has featured in both pre-season friendlies so far, playing as a ‘false nine’ in the 1-0 defeat to Preston.
But he was deployed as a left winger in America on Friday night as the Reds beat Real Betis by the same scoreline, courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal.
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And Carvalho, previously outspoken over his lack of game time under Jurgen Klopp, has revealed he settled for playing out wide despite preferring a central role. “We spoke about it and the manager told me to try and settle on the wing but obviously I know where I play best and I feel that is as a No. 10,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“We’ve had a few conversations which I’m not going to go into detail about, but he wants me to get my head down and work hard and see where that goes. I’m just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him.”
Carvalho, 21, did praise the Dutchman for his impact since arriving at Anfield. “He’s giving me good instructions and motivating me a lot in training and giving me that confidence,” he added.
“I want to make an impact, that’s what it is all about. Not just for me but for everyone involved. There’s good chances for the young players as well, for myself as well. It’s a good chance for everyone to put their foot down and stamp their mark.”
Carvalho was touted for a big future at Anfield after joining for a £5million fee in 2022, scoring his first Premier League goal in a 9-0 win over Bournemouth. However, he would play just 13 times in the league that season, and took to Instagram to bemoan his lack of game time.
Liverpool face Manchester United in Columbia in their last US tour match next week. And with Liverpool yet to have access to their Euro 2024 and Copa America players, Carvalho is expected to again be in the starting XI.
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But he faces stiff competition if he is to be regular for the Reds next season. If the club keep hold of Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz, Carvalho again faces the prospect of a bit part role.
He has three years left on his current deal, worth a reported £40,000-a-week. After representing England at age-grade level, he’s since switched his allegiance and won four capos for Portugal under-21s.
