Liverpool passed their first test without Virgil van Dijk.
Jurgen Klopp’s side kicked off their Champions League campaign with a slender 1-0 win away to Ajax, courtesy of an own goal from Nicolas Tagliafico.
All eyes were on Liverpool’s defence in what was their first game since powerhouse Van Dijk was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Liverpool boss played Fabinho alongside Joe Gomez and the Brazilian produced an outstanding display in central defence, most notably with his exceptional goal-line clearance.
Fabinho has had some stellar performances in that role in recent years, most recently against Chelsea in the win at Stamford Bridge last month.
And James Milner has been singing his team-mate’s praises, acknowledging that ‘unbelievable’ clearance too.
He told the club’s official website: “He’s a top player. Top players can adapt and he did that. He’s played there before and done it extremely well. Unbelievable clearance as well, obviously.”
Liverpool are by no means out of the woods yet.
The fact is that even if Fabinho does play centre-back until a recognised defender is signed in January, Klopp’s side still miss the presence of their powerhouse in midfield.
Either way, Van Dijk’s absence is going to cause a problem, but so far so good.
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