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Liverpool swept Watford aside at Anfield for the third year running on Wednesday, and Fabinho proved that he is now the Reds’ most important midfielder with a Mascherano-esque performance.

Liverpool desperately needed a big performance and result on Wednesday night, and that’s exactly what they got.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was magnificent, Virgil van Dijk was his usual self with an extra dose of goals and Mohamed Salah looked back to his best despite not finding the back of the net.

No one impressed more than Fabinho though, who completely dominated the middle third and proved once and for all that he is the star man in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

Mascherano 2.0?

Fabinho had to wait for his chance at Anfield, as the 25 year-old didn’t start a Premier League match until late October, but he has not looked back since breaking into the side.

He produced a stunning performance at home to Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, but his true breakout came in December, when he dominated wins against Manchester United and Wolves.

The Brazilian international has since been forced to fill in at right-back and centre back, both of which he has done with little difficulty, and Wednesday’s performance felt like the culmination of everything he has learned so far under Klopp.

The ex-Monaco ace was tenacious in the tackle, read the game expertly, and most importantly he always looked forward with the ball, breaking lines with high-tempo, incisive passing.

Liverpool have not had a truly elite defensive midfielder since Javier Mascherano left the club back in 2010, but Fabinho might even be better than the feisty Argentinian, as his skills on the ball are far superior.

Bad news for Henderson

His form could be bad news for Jordan Henderson – the two don’t really fit in the same team because they attempt to cover the same spaces, which sacrifices attacking returns.

Negative passing is always the most common criticism levelled at Henderson, and it was one that you simply cannot fire at Fabinho as he constantly looks over the top to his pacey wingers.

The Brazilian international is well and truly coming into his own, and with fans calling him the midfield version of Virgil van Dijk, it could be very hard for Henderson to force his way back into the side.

Australia 4 for 487 (Clarke 218*, Cowan 136, Hussey 86*, Morkel 2-109) lead South Africa 450 by 37 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEd Cowan kept his head over the ball on the way to 136•Getty Images

On the same afternoon Australia rejoiced the confirmation of Ed Cowan as a genuine Test opening batsman, their prolific captain Michael Clarke squeezed South Africa with a merciless unbeaten 218 to give his side the psychological and tactical high ground after four days of the first Test.Graeme Smith’s side began the day in search of quick wickets to press for victory in Brisbane, but a first Test century of high accomplishment by Cowan smoothed the path for Clarke and Michael Hussey to run the tourists ragged in the final session. Australia piled up 181 runs after tea to close on 4 for 487, a lead of 37 with another extended day’s play to follow.Clarke’s innings grew in command with every hour, and maintained his outstanding record of performance since assuming the national captaincy. His third Test score beyond 200 in 2012 made Clarke one of only three batsman to achieve the feat, joining Sir Donald Bradman and Ricky Ponting. Rare company indeed.Cowan was considered by some to be under some pressure for his place entering this match, though the national selector John Inverarity had been highly supportive. That faith proved well founded, for Cowan produced exactly the sort of innings the team required. Scoring within his favoured zones and showing sound judgement of when to defend, this was a major step in Cowan’s career, and also a poignant achievement a year to the day since the death of his mentor, Peter Roebuck.Hussey’s innings demonstrated how destructive his batting can be when runs are behind him, and in his busy running and pure driving he pushed tiring opponents to their limits. Before the series Inverarity had hoped Hussey was “due” for a strong series against South Africa after several poor ones, and he has made the ideal start.The defusing of the touring bowlers was a tonic for the rest of Australia’s batsmen, and the contempt with which they were treated at the finish by Clarke and Hussey will be sobering for Smith. Rory Kleinveldt and Vernon Philander gave up 19 no-balls between them, the latter’s bowling notably nobbled on perhaps the flattest Test surface he has seen on so far. Steyn threatened intermittently, and Morkel’s bounce did not diminish, but the employment of Smith and Hashim Amla as modest spinners conveyed a lack of variety in South Africa’s attack.In responding aggressively to a perilous position the night before, Cowan and Clarke had tilted momentum their way even before they emerged on the fourth morning. But they had to fight to build on that advantage early on. After a brief early flurry, runs came steadily rather than swiftly, Cowan pushing singles while Clarke punched a pair of delectable straight drives back past Steyn in between leaving plenty of deliveries wide of off stump.Cowan had an uncomfortable moment when he cuffed past the stumps and down to the fine leg boundary while trying to leave Steyn, and Clarke was twice the beneficiary of good fortune when his unconvincing attempts at a sort of half-pull shot lobbed into the air but out of the reach of fielders.Clarke looked ungainly against the short ball on more than one occasion, once taking his eye off a Steyn bouncer and gloving into the space between the stumps and the slips cordon. But he prospered in other areas, playing with a restraint that showed self-awareness of how important his wicket has become for Australia.As the adjournment ticked closer Cowan reached the outskirts of a century, gaining four runs when the umpire Asad Rauf failed to detect Morkel’s bouncer had skimmed straight off the batsman’s helmet. He would go to the interval two runs short of a hundred, but happy to wait.On resumption Cowan did not take long to gather those runs, pulling Philander powerfully to midwicket to pass three figures. His celebration was ebullient, but he also collected himself pointedly at the end of the over, regathering his focus to resume the task. At the other end Clarke had further troubles with the short ball, but unfurled a pair of crisp drives to close on his own century.He reached the mark with a hurried single to backward point, and raised his bat for the sixth time since becoming Test captain and the second time in as many Gabba Tests. Clarke and Cowan’s stand had by this time become the highest for the fourth wicket in all Tests between Australia and South Africa, blunting a visiting attack that had looked so daunting at the start of the innings.Having seen off the second new ball, Cowan was dropped at fine leg when Steyn’s path to the catch was distracted somewhat by Alviro Petersen’s convergence. Ultimately Cowan would would not perish at the hand of any bowler. Instead he was run-out at the non-striker’s end when Steyn deflected a Clarke drive onto the stumps – Cowan’s penchant for backing up a long way reducing his chances of getting back in time. That dismissal brought Hussey to the crease, and he had a couple of nervy moments against Morkel before tea arrived.There would be a few more plays and misses in the final session, but they were rare moments of consolation for South Africa as Hussey and Clarke streaked away. Hussey’s cover driving was a particular highlight, while Clarke reached his double century with another pristine straight drive. By the close a draw was the most likely result, but Clarke, Cowan and Hussey had ensured that it will be the South Africans more likely to be sweating.

Marcos Rojo has completed a move to Estudiantes, where he will spend the rest of the 2019/20 season.

What’s the story?

The Argentina international move to the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 for £16m. In those six years, he has made 122 appearances, scoring two goals.

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However, he has appeared in just nine matches in all competitions so far this term, and as such he has returned to his homeland on a short-term basis.

Leaves United short

On the one hand, given his considerable lack of game-time, it makes sense that he would leave, and a loan is probably the easiest deal for all involved. However, given that he clearly doesn’t seem to be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans moving forward, United may have been looking for a permanent switch instead.

Calling all transfer experts! Can you get all 15 questions right on our Deadline Day quiz?

At 29 years of age – he turns 30 in March – his re-sale value will dwindle with each passing year – he is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt. However, some good performances for Estudiantes could persuade the South American team to part with some money to sign him for beyond this campaign.

Either way, with a contract that runs out in 2021, he does not seem to have a future at Old Trafford.

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In other news, Manchester United fans think this man should be given more of a first-team chance…

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Crystal Palace currently have three strong options in the goalkeeping department for the first time in years, with Vicente Guaita, Wayne Hennessey and veteran keeper Julian Speroni all vying for the number one jersey at Selhurst Park.

However, it is the latter of those options who is the main concern. Speroni is soon to be entering his 40s, where retirement will most likely be on the horizon for the Argentinian stopper.

As a result of that, Roy Hodgson should be looking to get another player in that department who would act as an option for the future, but who also has bags of potential.

Coincidentally, Palace have recently been linked with a move for 21-year-old Sao Paulo keeper Lucas Perri, who would be an ideal candidate for the aforementioned role.

We recently asked fans of the Eagles if they’d like to see the Brazilian stopper arrive in south London to cover the impending loss of Speroni.

As shown by the results below, a whopping 74% of those who voted said that they would like to see Perri sign…

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Roma striker Edin Dzeko has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina forward has previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in England with Manchester City, winning the title twice at the Etihad Stadium.

At 32 years of age, the 6’4” target man would likely now have little to offer Pep Guardiola’s side but he could still have a big impact for a club a little way down the Premier League table.

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With Everton’s expensive centre-forward Cenk Tosun struggling to get to grips with English football, the Toffees would be wise to sign a proven Premier League marksmen in January. If Marco Silva could tempt Dzeko to Goodison Park on a short term contract or loan deal in the winter transfer window then that would be a great bit of business.

What do you think, Everton fans – would you be pleased to see the club sign Dzeko in January?

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Mexico’s World Cup star Hirving Lozano has emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs this summer, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

The 22-year-old only moved to PSV Eindhoven a year ago but had a stunning season, scoring 17 goals and assisting eight in 29 games.

He then came to global prominence in Mexico’s first World Cup game where he scored the decisive goal in a famous 1-0 win against Germany.

Lozano, known as “Chucky” in Mexico, is valued at £27million on Transfermarkt but it is likely the Dutch club will demand much more following his impressive World Cup.

Along with his goal against Germany, he registered an assist for Javier Hernandez’s goal against South Korea.

In the four games Mexico were in the tournament, Lozano, who is nicknamed Chucky back home in Mexico, made six key passes and won an impressive 14 fouls.

He was a general nuisance for opposition defenders and was a constant threat with his lightning pace and great technical ability.

If he does indeed make a move to the Premier League, he would likely get more time at Arsenal who are lacking any wide men, whereas Manchester United are blessed with options in wide attacking positions.

West Ham United drew 3-3 with German side Altona 93 in their latest pre-season friendly on Tuesday, and Irons fans were once again impressed with the performance of new boy Marko Arnautovic.

The east London outfit completed an initial £20m deal to bring the forward to the London Stadium from Stoke City last month and he has already made a big impression on the pitch after previously scoring on his full debut.

The Austria international didn’t get on the score-sheet in his side’s draw in Hamburg on Tuesday, but the 28-year-old couldn’t have come much closer after rattling the post with a brilliant free-kick.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the performances of Arnautovic via social media, and they are certainly impressed with his attributes, with some even saying that he is a bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic with his style of play and mannerisms.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

It’s been a tough season for Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool.

Far from ripping apart Premier League defences in tandem with Luis Suarez on a weekly basis in 2013/14, the England international has managed just six goals across all competitions, four of which came in the EFL Cup against Championship outfit Burton and a severely weakened Spurs side.

The 27-year-old was in EFL Cup action once again at Anfield on Wednesday night, but two fantastic chances passed him by as Southampton marched onwards to Wembley with an impressive 2-0 aggregate win – a real masterclass in counter-attacking football.

Needless to say, Sturridge has had up plenty of stick since the final whistle, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even claiming it’s like the Reds are playing with ten men when he’s on the pitch sometimes.

Undoubtedly, Sturridge is a shadow of the striker we saw at Anfield a few years ago – and here are THREE key statistics that sum up his ongoing Liverpool plight.

Performance against Southampton

Sturridge was by no means the only culprit as Liverpool were dumped out of the EFL Cup but nonetheless, the performance epitomised how he’s struggled this season.

Throughout the 90 minutes, in addition to passing up two glorious opportunities to score, the England forward managed just one shot on target, two successful dribbles and one created chance. Perhaps most worryingly, he finished up with the fewest touches and fewest passes of any Reds player.

A tough evening amid a very tough season for the former Manchester City and Chelsea starlet.

Sturridge vs. the best in the Prem

To give credit where it’s due, Carragher’s claims don’t quite stand up against the statistics.

Indeed, when compared on per-90-minute metrics rather than per-appearance, Sturridge’s all-round contribution is pretty much in line with the Premier League’s top performing forwards this season, namely Diego Costa, Harry Kane, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez. In fact, he ranks first in terms of shots and duels won and second for successful dribbles – only bettered by the Arsenal talisman, who’s had the benefit of room out wide for significant portions of the campaign.

Inevitably, however, it’s hard to overlook Sturridge’s modest return of goals and assists.

Life under Klopp

That being said, it’s quite clear Sturridge just doesn’t fit into this Liverpool team under Klopp.

His strike-rate has dropped from better than one-in-two and his win rate has slumped by a very significant 10%. Of course, injuries have been a factor and some argue the England international simply isn’t the player he once was, but these statistics suggest a more accommodating manager, such as Brendan Rodgers, could quickly bring out the best in Sturridge once again. Time to move on?

Let’s face it – despite the many millions of pounds that have been spent down at Old Trafford in recent transfer windows, the 2015/16 campaign has so far proven a somewhat thankless task for Louis van Gaal, with his team’s distinct inability to do the business in front of goal a worry.

Memphis Depay seemingly hasn’t settled as quickly as some Manchester United fans may have initially been expecting him to, the talents of Anthony Martial have become somewhat wasted under LVG’s recent tactics and although the current Red Devils skipper remains side-lined from the first team fold at Old Trafford at the moment – Wayne Rooney simply fails to resemble the player he once was for the prestigious Premier League club.

So then, with the January transfer window fast approaching, are Manchester United really ready sign Everton’s Romelu Lukaku to address their concerns as certain reports have recently made out?

Well, whilst the majority of Toffees fans would likely want their club to hold onto their marque centre-forward whatever the Red Devils may be offering this January, Lukaku would certainly help turn United into a potent attacking force once again.

The Belgium international has already scored 12 league goals this season, clearly proving Jose Mourinho and Chelsea wrong for wanting rid of his services just a few short seasons ago. Although his overall game still has some way to go at the age of 22, the former Blues front-man already goes down as one of the Premier League’s very best strikers – which could even be a feat replicated on the European footballing scene if his current progress is to offer anything to go by.

Although it would be wrong to over-sensationalise the current situation regarding the Red Devils in 2015/16, Van Gaal’s side ultimately need a little help in the striking department, which could be obtained in the January transfer window. If they eventually fail to receive any, United risk falling behind the rest of their Premier League opposition for good… or at least a while.

However, the major stumbling block involving any potential deal linking Lukaku with a move to Old Trafford this January would obviously be the price. Yes, the Red Devils’ hierarchy certainly haven’t shied away from splashing the cash rather carelessly in the past, but the reported £50m asking price for the Belgian’s signature could nonetheless prevent this move from happening.

United have seemingly backed themselves into corner when it comes to financial negotiations this season. After spending way over the odds on the likes of Martial, Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Fellaini recently, Everton are well within their rights to demand another small fortune for Lukaku. Such is the way modern day football seems to be heading.

So then, should the Red Devils eventually decide to part ways with such a hefty transfer fee this January, Everton would likely have to concede defeat one way or another. Despite Lukaku remaining a massive prospect at Goodison Park heading into the future, that £50m could easily be spent across the rest of Roberto Martinez’ side and eventually turn the Toffees into an all-round superior outfit.

Manchester United would nonetheless paint themselves out in a pretty desperate light should any such deal take place, however, as the Old Trafford faithful need something to boost their spirits in 2015/16, perhaps Romelu Lukaku could ultimately find himself departing Everton far sooner than most fans expected…

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Luis Suarez is bowing out in style at Gremio, with the Uruguayan – who is expected to head for Inter Miami – bagging a brace in his final appearance.

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Veteran frontman leaving Brazilian footballExpected to head for the United StatesSet to be reunited with former Barca team-matesWHAT HAPPENED?

The veteran striker is calling time on a productive spell in Brazilian football after scoring 29 goals in 54 appearances. The 36-year-old has hinted at long-standing knee problems forcing him to consider retirement, but he is being lined up for one last challenge in MLS alongside former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Prior to heading to the United States, Suarez brought the curtain down on his stint at Gremio by netting twice in a 3-2 victory over Fluminense. His first of the game was a typical Suarez strike, as he beat the offside trap and raced through on goal to round the goalkeeper and slide into an empty net.

DID YOU KNOW?

Gremio had found themselves trailing in the 34th minute but they turned the tie on its head and Suarez put them in complete control when netting their third of the game just past the hour mark. With confidence flowing, the South American superstar casually clipped home a Panenka penalty – allowing him to sign off in style.

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WHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?

As Suarez hits free agency, he is now clear to agree a deal with Inter Miami. If he does move to Florida, then he will link up with Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at DRV PNK Stadium.