Jurgen Klopp praised Fabinho for an “outstanding” execution at centre-back in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League prevail upon Chelsea on Sunday.
With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip harmed, Fabinho moved into the centre of defence close by Virgil van Dijk and produced a fine presentation at Stamford Bridge.
Sadio Mane’s second-half brace lifted Liverpool to a second straight success to start the Premier League season, with the attacker prior brought somewhere near Andreas Christensen that prompted the defender being sent off.
Klopp applauded Fabinho for his exhibition, despite the fact that Liverpool required a penalty save from Alisson to deny Jorginho to keep their spotless sheet.
“If Sadio wouldn’t have scored two goals, I think Fab would be a proper contender for man of the match,” the Liverpool manager told a news conference.
“I loved his performance, he played outstanding. He helped us a lot with the ball and in defending as well, so yes, a proper performance.”
Fabinho made a game-high four interferences and picked up possession 12 times, while finishing 86 of his 89 passes.
In a further lift for Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara made his introduction, supplanting Jordan Henderson at half-time, and set a Premier League record in the space of only 45 minutes.
In any case, Mane featured with his support and Klopp said the assailant’s subsequent objective, when he seized Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, highlighter Liverpool’s yearning.
“It says everything about that and it says everything about the team as well. I love that because we have these situations quite a lot – that we chase the goalie,” he said.
“I think in the first half Sadio was really close to blocking it there already but you just have to do it. I love it when we get the rewards for these kinds of situations.
“The first goal was a nice piece of football, everybody involved pretty much. [Roberto] Firmino cross and then Sadio comes in front of his man, so it’s really difficult to defend. Good goal and gave the game the right direction. That’s exactly what we have to show all the time, that’s what we wanted to show today.
“I saw us today, I saw us playing football today and I’m completely fine with that. I loved it.”
Liverpool face Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Thursday before facilitating Arsenal in the Premier League four days after the fact.
