Fabinho’s critics left with no defence as Brazilian plays starring role at back

JURGEN KLOPP marched onto the pitch with purpose and began his customary post-match ritual. There were hugs and slaps on the back for all those in red but there were two players who received special recognition.

First there was Mohamed Salah, who won and scored the penalty that re-established Liverpool’s seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Egyptian was excellent, his close control and desire to keep stretching Brighton’s defence making him Klopp’s most potent weapon.

Then there was Fabinho. An injury crisis forced Klopp to field the Brazilian as a central defender and his performance yesterday ensured his manager sought him out for special attention.

Fabinho (above) was identified as a target in 2017 and when it became clear that Emre Can was not going to sign another deal, Liverpool moved to take him from Monaco. At £43.7million, here was their new defensive midfielder.

He is, however, more than a onetrick pony. He plays at right-back for Brazil and, having hit form as the anchor in Liverpool’s engine room, he showed why Klopp did not consider a short-term deal to cover the absences of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.

From early on, Fabinho caught the eye — his first contribution was a 40-yard pass that landed at the feet of Andrew Robertson — and his partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk looked natural.

His biggest moment, though, was the block to thwart Pascal Gross that preserved Liverpool’s lead. When Lovren and Gomez are fit, Fabinho will move forward to a more natural role but yesterday he proved his versatility and class.

‘He has a defending brain and can do that in different positions,’ Klopp enthused.

For a player who had been viewed sceptically in the tough opening weeks, suddenly Fabinho has become a key man. No wonder Klopp was so keen to tell him.