The Reds ace played deeper in the Champions League match, allowing Jordan Henderson to move further up the pitch.
Liverpool enjoyed a superb European night at Anfield on Tuesday as they ran out 2-0 winners over Porto in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Naby Keita put Jurgen Klopp’s side ahead after just five minutes on the clock when his shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected into the net off Oliver Torres.
The second came shortly before the half-hour mark when Roberto Firmino tapped home from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross after Jordan Henderson’s fine ball from midfield.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Liverpool as Alisson Becker had to be alert to thwart Moussa Marega, while VAR had to be called in to check Alexander-Arnold’s ball-to-arm connection in the first half, but a corner was awarded rather than a penalty.
Reds captain Henderson had an especially impressive game in a more advanced role, creating numerous chances and helping to set up Firmino’s goal, so much so that Klopp acknowledged it was “my fault” that he was deployed further back (BBC Sport).
Fabinho played as Liverpool’s most defensive midfielder against Porto, which in turn allowed Henderson to play higher up the pitch and put in the display that he did – effectively “unlocking” him.
After the game, some Anfield faithful were eager to praise the 6ft 2in Brazilian’s contributions – personal and for the team – on Twitter:
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