Fabinho vs Keita: Who Is More Valued For the Reds?

The Reds have really outdone themselves this season. A Champions League final, flourishing, beautiful football, and some impressive signings to cover for that. Naby Keita will sign on a free from the German side, RB Leipzig. Fabinho was a shock signing recently signed for a predicted $52.5 million. Both midfielders are creative and technically gifted but who is best suited for the Reds?

1. Through Balls

Winner- Fabinho

Fabinho and Keita are both exquisite passers but the Brazilian takes the crown on this one. Fabinho is placed in a more advanced role on the pitch than Keita so he contributes more to breaking the defense down. This results in his 86.3% passing accuracy and unassailable ability to sail through balls past the defense.

2. Long Shots

Winner- Keita

Keita wins this challenge by a good distance as his power and shot accuracy is phenomenal. He simply dribbles the ball to the edge of the 18 and lets one fly, full tekkers! The Guinean has converted 15.3% of his shots outside the box, which rises by Fabinho's whooping 0%. With Keita playing for Liverpool, the Reds will be satisfied knowing they have a reliable and consistent shooter.

3. Dribbling

Winner- Keita

This one was close but the Guinean takes the ball on this one. Keita is known to play from deep and tries to take on his opponents. This explains Keita's 2.68 dribbles per game compared to Fabinho's 1.10 dribbles per game. But ironically Fabinho has a better success rate at 72.34% compared to Keita's 58.26%.

4. Passing

Winner- Fabinho

Fabinho is an marvelous passer. He keeps the team flowing and consistent with an 87% pass completion rate. Keita has an 81% passing rate but that is because he is a riskier passer in Leipzig's system. Keita is a dynamic passer while the Brazilian is a consistent needle trying to thread the midfield.

5. Key Passes

Winner- Naby Keita

The Guinean edges this fight. But key passes are one of his primary tasks under Leipzig. He is a creative outlet with 32 key passes (5 of which are assists) for the German side. One of the more positive and risky passers in the Bundesliga.

6. Defensive Contribution

Winner- Fabinho

An even standout for this one but the Brazilian edges to victory. His work rate is exceptional as he averages more clearances, blocks, and tackles than Naby Keita. Also Fabinho has played RB before so he has experienced committing to a defensive performance.

7. Interceptions

Winner- Keita

Naby is always hungry for the ball. He looks to intercept any ball at chance averaging 1.64 interceptions per game. Although this only narrowly pasts Fabinho's 1.48 interceptions, it shows that the Leipzig star is willing to run to the ball and take it by the horns.

8. Tackling

Winner- Fabinho

The Brazilian is more of a clean player when it comes to this art but he gets the job done. Moderately edging Keita with 1.81 tackles compared to the Guinean's 1.72 tackles per game.

9. Aerial Duels

Winner- Fabinho

Fabinho destroys Keita in the air with a solid 2.5 aerial duels per game. That outnumbers Keita's jump game 5:1! Having the Brazilian in Liverpool's squad can allow for come confidence in the air. Combined with Virgil Van Dijk, these two will dominate the air field.

Final Score 5-4 Fabinho

Winner- Keita

Why?

In technicality Fabinho won five out of the nine challenges posted in this article. But still in terms of value to the squad the Guinean takes the win. Kloop has been looking for someone to fill this position since Coutinho left for Barca. Keita goes into the squad right away. As for Fabinho he still has a strong chance but he has to compete with Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, and even Alexander-Arnold. Fabinho was a quick move looking to replace the doubtful Emre Can. If he stays than that is even more dilemma for the Brazilian. And to top it off Keita won't cost a penny. Nevertheless, both players are quality and brilliant signings for the Reds.