Klopp’s deputising Fabinho makes case for the defence

JURGEN Klopp believes Fabinho has proved himself a genuine option at centre back for Liverpool after his impressive stand-in performance at Brighton.

The Brazil midfielder (below with Glenn Murray) was pressed into service as an emergency central defender at the Amex Stadium, but produced an assured display as the Reds prevailed 1-0.

Liverpool returned to winning ways to strengthen their position at the top of the table after defeats to Manchester City in the Premier League and Wolves in the FA Cup.

Fabinho even produced a match-saving block from Pascal Gross as Mohamed Salah’s penalty proved decisive on the south coast.

Asked if Fabinho could play in defence again if needed, Klopp replied: “He is a brilliant player and I am happy that he can play (against Brighton) — it’s now pretty clear (that he can play in defence).

“It’s not like it came one attack after the other from Brighton. We had the ball most of the time, so then it makes sense to have a good footballer in that position.

“I think Brighton tried a little bit to bring the long balls and (Glenn) Murray around him. That’s what they did, by the way, against Joe Gomez in the home game as well.

“He did well in these situation. He has a defending brain and can do it in different positions, it’s good.”