Fabio Carvalho insists he is ready to prove to new Liverpool boss Arne Slot that he is good enough to stick around at Anfield this season and fight for his place in a crowded field of talented attackers.
The Portugal-born star, who joined from Fulham in 2022, spent last season out on loan with stints at RB Leipzig and Hull City. He excelled at the latter after a tricky spell in Germany and now feels he can fulfil his potential at Liverpool.
Slot sat down with Carvalho at the beginning of pre-season and told him he saw his best position as on the wing, despite the player’s belief being he is best as a No 10.
The Dutchman has been spending time tutoring Carvalho on the training pitch with detailed instructions.
And the 22-year-old said: ‘We spoke about (my position) and he told me to try and settle on the wing but obviously I know where I play best and I feel that is as a No 10. I’m just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him.
Fabio Carvalho insists he is ready to prove to Liverpool boss Arne Slot that he is good enough
Slot has been spending time tutoring Carvalho on the training pitch with detailed instructions
‘He’s giving me good instructions and motivating me a lot in training and giving me that confidence. We’ve had a few conversations (about future) which I’m not going to go into detail about but he wants me to get my head down and work hard and see where that goes.’
Carvalho has a long list of clubs keen on taking him this summer, though it would likely be a sale rather than another loan.
Former employers Fulham, alongside Leicester and Southampton, have expressed an interest. Several European clubs are also keen.
Asked about his loan experience, Carvalho said: ‘It was crucial, I needed game time and I was happy when I was playing. Every footballer wants to be playing week in and week out and I feel I got the best of myself when I was there and playing.
‘That’s what it is all about. Not just for me but for everyone involved. There’s good chances for the young players (in this pre-season), for myself as well. It’s a good chance for everyone to put their foot down and stamp their mark.’
Carvalho and his Liverpool team-mates were set to fly to Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon after beating Real Betis 1-0 in a friendly in Pittsburgh.
The 21-year-old forward spent last season out on loan with stints at RB Leipzig and Hull City
They make the jaunt across Pennsylvania awaiting news on a muscle injury suffered by Curtis Jones in the game against the Spaniards.
Slot’s men take on Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday. Diogo Jota has joined up with the squad but it is believed the Portugal international is unlikely to feature against the Gunners and will instead make his first Reds outing of the summer in the final leg of the tour.