Chris Sutton raves about Liverpool player in win over Leipzig

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Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League Highlights Show that Liverpool are a completely different team with Fabinho in midfield – after the Reds earned an excellent 2-0 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.

Fabinho, 27, was moved into midfield against Leipzig in the second leg – as goals from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah scored goals earned a 4-0 aggregate win. Fabinho has been used at centre-back for much of the season.

The 12-time Brazil star, though, was moved into midfield against Leipzig and he was excellent. Protecting a young centre-back partnership of Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips, Fabinho was crucial to Liverpool keeping a clean sheet.

Sutton spoke about the former Monaco man after the match and believes that when Fabinho is in midfield, it turns Liverpool into a completely different side – labelling him as “outstanding” as Liverpool reach the last eight.

With hindsight, it is easy to say that Fabinho should have been put back in midfield a while ago. But had Jurgen Klopp placed his faith in Phillips slightly more than he has done, then perhaps Fabinho could have moved back.

The signing of Kabak has also given Liverpool another option in that area. Going forward, Klopp has to keep Fabinho in midfield and trust that his midfield protection can help Phillips and Kabak continue to keep clean sheets.