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Liverpool proved there is life after Virgil van Dijk, with a fighting display to get their European campaign off to a good start.
And Fabinho, the Dutchman’s replacement at the heart of the defense, proved he was up to the task of filling that gaping hole, with a man-of-the-match display that belied his role as a part-time substitute.
The Brazilian produced a brilliant punt from above the goal line by David Neres, which allowed the Reds a hard-fought victory, delivered by Sadio Mane, who forced the only error on a fascinating night of football in Amsterdam.
And he even allowed boss Juegen Klopp to ditch his three announced forwards after an hour when he decided the leadership was enough, and his squad showed their depth and confidence by comfortably holding on to victory.
Klopp was left with a broad smile at the end, and much of that was down to Fabinho, with the tall midfielder forming an impressive partnership with Joe Gomez in the middle.
There was a scare at the end when Adrian threw a high cross, but Liverpool held on.
Of course, there will be tougher challenges, but for Klopp that takes the pressure off him as Fabinho proved he can deliver depth at the center-half position.
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