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The Brazilian midfielder covered a defensive hole for his side after a series of injuries
Jurgen Klopp praised Fabinho for an “outstanding” performance as a center-back in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday.
With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip injured, Fabinho moved to center defense alongside Virgil van Dijk and produced an excellent display at Stamford Bridge.
Sadio Mane’s second-half double led Liverpool to a second straight win to start the Premier League season, with the attacker previously defeated by Andreas Christensen, prompting the defender’s dismissal.
Klopp praised Fabinho for his performance, although Liverpool needed a penalty save from Alisson to prevent Jorginho from keeping a clean sheet.
“If Sadio had not scored two goals, I think Fab would be a suitable candidate for the man of the match,” the Liverpool manager told a news conference.
“I loved his performance, he played excellently. He helped us a lot with the ball and also on defense, so yes, an adequate performance.”
Fabinho made four interceptions, the most of the game and gained possession 12 times, while completing 86 of his 89 passes.
In a fresh boost for Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara made his debut, replacing Jordan Henderson at half-time, and set a Premier League record in the space of just 45 minutes.
But Mane starred with his double and Klopp highlighted the attacker’s second goal, when he dispossessed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, a highlight of Liverpool’s hunger.
“It says everything about that and it also says everything about the team. I love it because we have a lot of these situations, that we chase the goalkeeper,” he said.
“I think in the first half Sadio was very close to blocking him there, but you just have to. I love it when we get the rewards for these kinds of situations.
“The first goal was a good football game, everyone practically participated. [Roberto] Firmino crosses and then Sadio gets ahead of his man, making it very difficult to defend. Good goal and it gave the game the right direction. That is exactly what we have to show all the time, that is what we wanted to show today.
“I saw us today, I saw us playing soccer today and I’m completely fine with it. I loved it.”
Liverpool will face Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Thursday before hosting Arsenal in the Premier League four days later.
