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Liverpool kickstarted their Champions League campaign with an important 1-0 away win against Dutch giants Ajax on Wednesday night, which sets them up nicely in their group.

Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico netted an unfortunate own goal in the 35th minute to decide the contest at the Johan Cruyff Arena and it was a welcomed clean sheet for the Merseyside club, who have looked fragile at the back this season.

Despite some nervous moments from goalkeeper Adrian, the Reds kept a dangerous Ajax side at bay and make-shift centre-back Fabinho produced a stunning goal-line clearance at one stage.

Fabinho, 26, dropped back from midfield to centre-back to partner Joe Gomez and it looks like that may become a regular combination under manager Jurgen Klopp, as star defender Virgil van Dijk is sidelined through injury.

Jamie Carragher hailed Liverpool’s win as a “huge” one in the group on Twitter and picked out the defence as star performers, with full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold also heavily involved alongside the centre-back pairing.

He also picked out the three attacking substitutes Takumi Minamino, Xherdan Shaqiri and Diogo Jota, who all entered the action on the hour mark and looked a threat going forward.

TBR’s View:

Liverpool’s back four last night looks like it will be the preferred one moving forward and they’ve set such a high standard in the past couple of campaigns, but of course that will be impacted by the absence of Van Dijk.

Fabinho was arguably man of the match against Ajax with the way he smoothly adjusted to the centre-half role and he’s going to be such a pivotal player this season.

Meanwhile, Klopp got to rest Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah for the final 30 minutes in midweek.

There is often a criticism aimed at Liverpool over a lack of depth within their squad, but bringing on the lively trio of Jota, Shaqiri and Minamino proves they’ve got firepower in reserve ready to step in.