Fabinho and Roberto Firmino give Liverpool transfer verdicts on emotional return
Roberto Firmino and Fabinho returned to Anfield for Liverpool's Premier League clash against Newcastle United
Fabinho has praised the new-look Liverpool midfield following the summer transfer revamp.
The Brazilian returned to Anfield for the Reds' opening game of the calendar year as they hosted Newcastle United. Fabinho was accompanied by another icon Roberto Firmino, who signed for Al-Hilal at the end of his contract on Merseyside.
Fabinho's exit added to the list of departures last summer in the midfield as James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson also left.
LIVE: Liverpool vs Newcastle
READ MORE: What to expect from FSG in 2024 as Liverpool fortunes change
Liverpool sit top of the Premier League at the beginning of 2024, ahead of nearest challengers Aston Villa on goal difference. While the midfield came in for criticism following a torrid campaign last season, Fabinho believes the summer additions have integrated well.
"It's really important for the team that the players who arrived are playing football and integrating into the team," he told LFCTV.
"Players like (Dominik) Szoboszlai, (Alexis) Mac Allister and (Wataru) Endo are playing well so it's important because the team lost some important players like Hendo (Jordan Henderson), myself and Gini (Wijnaldum) in the past.
"They are doing a good job, unfortunately Thiago is not playing regularly but with his experience he's helping these players. The players who have arrived here have done a very good job."
Firmino bid farewell to Anfield following the final game of last season against Aston Villa. He scored in his last match against Southampton before his switch to Saudi Arabia, but according to reports, he could leave Al-Hilal after a matter of months.
Both the 32-year-old and Fabinho were part of Liverpool squads that brought success back to L4 in the Champions League and the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp's side are continuing their quest to add to their list of accolades with a title challenge mounting, plus the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Europa League knockout stages on the horizon. And Firmino explained that they still pray for Liverpool success.
"I'm very happy to be back here at home, I'm very grateful to god to bring me this moment to watch the game. I hope they're going to win tonight and we celebrate after," said the forward.
"We all as a family pray for the club to achieve, we are not here anymore but we are praying (for the team) to achieve more trophies. The most important thing is the trophy and the journey as a team together."