Fabio Carvalho has a clear mindset to restart his Liverpool career in the best possible fashion.
The 21 year-old came to Liverpool last season as an exciting talent who was looking to follow the footsteps of fellow Fulham academy graduate Harvey Elliott.
But after a promising start, things quickly turned for the Portuguese U21 international as he was barely sighted in the second half of the season in what was a difficult campaign for all involved with the club.
There was no major injury cited for the absence of the attacking midfielder leading to the suspicion that he had not adapted to the gameplan of Jurgen Klopp.
It has been a regular occurrence for new signings to take their time to find their feet in the tenure of the German and once they do it is full steam ahead, but this was the opposite, a significant regression after a encouraging beginning which made it all the frustrating for all concerned.
Then there was the awkward pre-season awkward interview after joining RB Leipzig on loan when he said, "I don’t really speak to him to be fair. He (Klopp) didn’t really give me any advice. I just had to learn as I go, and I feel that is better for me to mature anyway, both as a person and a footballer.”
He later clarified that by saying “I didn’t speak to him about coming to RB Leipzig. There was a bit of a misunderstanding.”
But that set the tone for a nightmarish half-season stint in Germany where in 15 appearances he did not register a goal nor an assist.
But it has been a much happier time for Carvalho back in England at Hull City where along with Liverpool teammate Tyler Morton, they have had the Yorkshire side battling tooth and nail with West Brom to clinch the last playoff spot, a fight that will go to the last game of the season. The Baggies currently have the odds in their favour only needing a draw at home to Preston today to clinch the last spot.
Carvalho has played a major role in the playoff push with nine goals and two assists in just 19 appearances spoke to the Echo (before Arne Slot was heavily linked to become the new manager) that he is looking forward to returning to his parent club and pushing for a first team spot.
“The way I see it, it’s a fresh start. Not just for me, but obviously whoever comes in.
“It’ll be a fresh start for me, and for the likes of Tyler as well. We’ve just got to take the chances that come. Really grasp it and take it with both hands.
“Obviously I want to break into the Liverpool first-team squad, into the starting XI as well. For now, I’m focused on Hull City and getting promoted. I’m going to see how pre-season turns out and then we’ll make a decision (on my future) after that.”
While being focused on his task at hand, Carvalho has been delighted with the progress of the youngsters who have not looked out of place one bit when given their first team opportunity.
“Seeing the academy players coming through, and a lot of them on the pitch when Virgil scored the goal ( in the Carabao Cup final), all of them celebrating together, it’s what football is about to be fair. You’ve got the experienced players and the new, fresh blood celebrating together and celebrating the title.
“They’re a credit to themselves, and it’s a credit to the coaches and the senior players already at the club who have taken them under their wings - the same as they did with me last year.”
Carvalho knows fate could have dealt him a better hand and he could have been there celebrating with his teamates on the hallowed Wembley surface.
But he is focused on writing his own chapter.
“Maybe if I was there, I would have been playing. “But I’m playing here (at Hull City) and that’s all that matters.
“There’s been a few highs, but a few lows as well (at Liverpool). It’s been a learning curve. It’s all about learning, it’s all about improving.
“We’ve got the players I can learn from, the facilities, the coaches. I’m just excited for the future. It’s not been great (so far), but in a way, that’s a good thing, depending on how you look at it. It can only get better.”
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