Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has told BT Sport that he thinks Fabinho clearly prefers playing as a holding midfielder rather than as a centre back.
The Reds bounced back from Sunday’s dismal 1-0 defeat to Fulham by beating RB Leipzig 2-0 on Wednesday night, advancing into the next round of the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane grabbed the goals in Budapest, sending Liverpool through with a 4-0 aggregate win despite missing a host of chances last night.
A number of Liverpool players impressed on the night, but Fabinho really stood out having finally played in holding midfield once again.
The Brazilian has been used as a centre back for much of the season due to injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and injuries have also prevented him from playing in his natural role.
Fabinho, who cost £39million back in 2018, contributed three assists, three tackles, two clearances and won one aerial duel, turning in a strong all-round display.
Boss Klopp has suggested to Yahoo that he wanted to play Fabinho as a number six all season but hasn’t been able to, even though he is one of the best in the world in that area.
“It was my hope for the season and during the season but it didn’t happen so we have to see what solutions we can find the next few games,” said Klopp. “Of course, number six is his best position, he is one of the best in the world in that position that is clear: not only defending-wise but creating as well.”
When speaking to BT Sport, Klopp admitted that he told Fabinho at full time that it was clear just how much he prefers to play in midfield, praising him for protecting the Liverpool back four in the process.
“I told him on the way downstairs: ‘You like the position six more than the other one, huh?’ – he couldn’t show it more clearly. We all want Fab on the six, that’s how it is, tonight he played there and the two centre-backs played an incredible game,” he added.
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