Due to the outstanding manner in which Rafael da Silva has
tackled his way into household conversation with his eye-catching
displays in a Manchester United shirt, it is easy to forget that he
has a twin brother - also at the club.
Fabio is equally as comfortable playing the short pass as he is
sending a ball over the top from the first to the final third in
route one style. He keeps his eye on the ball and tackles well, and
cleanly.
Like his brother Rafael, Fabio likes to get forward, and has
even been known to pull the strings when representing Brazil at
youth level. He is also a specialist from a dead ball
situation.
The reason why he is yet to feature for Manchester United's
first team is because he is recovering from a complicated shoulder
injury, and Patrice Evra is also maintaining a firm stranglehold on
the left back position.
Cries in England have been heard claiming that Fabio is the more
talented of the twins, but reports in Brazil suggest it is more
balanced.
Sensation
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson though believes
Fabio can easily equal the early success of Rafael.
"Rafael and Fabio are identical twins," Ferguson is quoted by
the Mirror as saying.
"I can hardly tell them apart, except that one is married and
wears a ring.
"It will be interesting to find out if their football ability is
identical too. There's every chance it is because Fabio captained
the Brazil team at every youth level."
He continued: "Rafael has been a revelation this season. He's
impressed us a lot and justified being picked whenever he's
played.
"Some people might have been a bit surprised I've picked him
over Wes Brown and Gary Neville at times, but I feel the boy has
something special.
"But all the players, Gary and Wes included, are supportive of
him.
"They think he's fantastic. Rafael doesn't speak English that
well but his understanding of football is marvellous and we have
high hopes for him."
I didnt know one
of them was married! rofl.