Liverpool news: Fabinho criticised by Graeme Souness for appearing to wear ‘lead boots’ in Uefa Super Cup

The Brazilian struggled to contain N’Golo Kante in Istanbul despite the Reds triumphing 5-4 on penalties

Graeme Souness has criticised Liverpool midfielder Fabinho for his inability to contain N’Golo Kante in the Uefa Super Cup.

The Reds triumphed 5-4 on penalties against Chelsea in Istanbul with the sides level 2-2 after extra-time.

But Souness was not satisfied with the performance of the Brazilian, who was upstaged by the Frenchman starting his first match since returning from injury.

“This guy [Fabinho], twice he had Kante dance past him as if he had Jacques Cousteau boots, lead boots on,“ Souness told Virgin Media Sport Ireland.

“They were not Liverpool. I’m not seeing a Liverpool that resembles the Liverpool we saw last season.“

Souness was especially concerned by Liverpool fading quicker than Chelsea, despite having an extra competitive game in the Community Shield against Man City and two days more rest due to opening their Premier League campaign last Friday, compared to the Blues beginning on Sunday.

“I’m amazed Liverpool were more tired than Chelsea - they’ve had two extra days to rest.“

Fabinho is challenged by Kante (REUTERS)

Fabinho will hope to have a more comfortable game on Saturday when the Reds line up against Southampton, hoping to continue to keep pace with Manchester City in the infancy of the title race.