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Squad numbers - to some footballers, at least - are a big deal.

Ivan Zamorano, for example, had his nose put out of joint so much by Ronaldo's arrival at Inter in 1997 that he changed his squad number to '1+8' instead of 18 when the legendary Brazilian took the No.9 shirt.

Dozens of players have kept a particular number throughout their entire careers, with many making them iconic at certain clubs.

Johan Cruyff wore the No.14 with unique distinction throughout his career, while Cristiano Ronaldo has long since had his 'CR7' trademarked en route to his five Ballon d'Or wins.

(Image: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Liverpool also have their fair share of famous numbers over the years.

The No.7 shirt hangs heavy at Anfield after the likes of Billy Liddell, Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan enjoyed huge success with it.

Jamie Carragher of course brought extra credence to the No.23 and Naby Keita has perhaps ramped up the pressure on himself by taking over Steven Gerrard's iconic No.8 at Anfield for the coming season.

And the social media trend of players placing a hashtag in front of their initials and squad number has been active for a number of seasons.

To some then, it is clear the numbers on their back matter.

Take Liverpool new-boy Fabinho , for example. When the defensive midfielder was signed in May, Liverpool made no mention of the squad number their new £39.3million would be wearing for the forthcoming campaign.

The Monaco star had worn No.2 in Ligue 1 having been successfully converted from a right-back to defensive midfielder under coach Leonardo Jardim.

(Image: Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Throughout pre-season, Fabinho has adorned the No.3 shirt which has been vacated since Mamadou Sakho left for Crystal Palace permanently last summer.

It is another nod to his original roots as a marauding full-back, but perhaps it is the No.2 that the big-money midfielder really wants.

The No.2 is currently occupied by Nathaniel Clyne though and the right-back is expected to continue with the shirt for the upcoming campaign at Anfield.

(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

So how about the No.22?

That squad number has been occupied by Simon Mignolet since he traded Liverpool for Sunderland five years ago, but the Belgium goalkeeper could be set for pastures new this summer following the arrival of Alisson - who himself hinted at wanting to take the No.1 jersey off Loris Karius last week, although has been wearing 13 during the Evian training camp.

Mignolet's exit would free up No.22 if Fabinho was inclined to keep with traditions of sorts, but the lack of confirmation over the 24-year-old's squad number has perhaps impacted anyone who has been keen to get the midfielder's name on their latest Liverpool strip.

A cursory glance of the club's official website shows that Fabinho is listed without a squad number alongside Alisson and Rhian Brewster, who is yet to make a first-team appearance.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

That would suggest the Brazilian is not yet fully on board with taking over the No.3 on a permanent basis this season.

The case has been made even more curious with pictures of Fabinho wearing the No.21 in training - although Alex Oxlade-Chamberain, out for the season, holds that particular number.

Some observers claim he has also worn kit with the No.3, No.6 and No.33 in training.

Numbers worn on training kits should not be considered any sort of guide, of course - but with just over a week to go until the big kick-off against West Ham, confusion still reigns over the Brazilian's real squad number.