Fabinho’s performance as defensive deputy gives Liverpool reasons to cheer

Fabinho impressed as a makeshift centre-back against Chelsea (Phil Noble/PA)

A vote of confidence from Virgil Van Dijk appears to have reinforced manager Jurgen Klopp’s hunch in gambling on utilising midfielder Fabinho as an auxiliary centre-back.

The Brazil international, who did play right-back for previous club Monaco, has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the game but injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip – following the sale of Dejan Lovren – left Klopp short of cover for the trip to Chelsea.