Fabio Carvalho makes bold position claim as he plots Liverpool starting place

Fabio Carvalho says he is keen to play in a central role for Liverpool as he plots a path into Arne Slot's starting XI for the 2024/25 season.

The 21-year-old joined the Reds from Fulham in 2022 and scored two Premier League goals during his first campaign at the club before being sent on loan spells at RB Leipzig and Hull City throughout 2023/24.

He found more success in the Championship than he managed in the Bundesliga, bagging nine strikes in 20 matches, but now Carvalho is attempting to win over Jurgen Klopp's successor ahead of the new season.

The forward has often been utilised on the wing but has now revealed he wants to feature in a key position moving forward.

Speaking during the club's pre-season tour, Carvalho 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 number 10. I'm just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him.

"He's giving me good instructions and motivating me a lot in training and giving me that confidence. We’ve had a few conversations 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."

On his loan experience, he added: "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, for myself as well. It's a good chance for everyone to put their foot down and stamp their mark."

Carvalho will get more chances to lay down a marker in Liverpool's upcoming friendlies against Arsenal, Manchester United and Sevilla. Dominik Szoboszlai's goal was enough to earn them victory over Real Betis last time out.