Stephen Warnock waxes lyrical about Liverpool star Fabinho

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Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock raved about Fabinho after the Premier League champions progressed to the last eight of the Champions League (Radio 5 Live).

The Reds secured progression thanks to a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig, with goals coming from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

It provided a welcome boost for Jurgen Klopp’s team who have lost six straight Premier League games on home soil, relinquishing their title with a whimper.

Fabinho has spent a large chunk of the season playing as a centre-back but last night returned to his natural position in the heart of midfield.

After the game, Warnock singled out the 27-year-old for praise as Liverpool won 4-0 on aggregate.

He told Radio 5 Live: “Fabinho has been the star performer for me. He’s been very assured in there.”

Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 and recreating that victory looks like their most likely way to reclaim a place in the competition for next season.

The Reds have fallen way out of contention in the race for a top-four finish and will need a monumental run to claw back into the race.

This was, however, a confidence-boosting performance and it’ll be interesting to see if they can take it into the weekend.

TBR View: Klopp must leave Fabinho in midfield

Arguably the biggest problem for Liverpool this season is that Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have been forced to play as defenders more often than not.

As a result, the midfield has missed their energy and drive, with Klopp’s team becoming all too easy to play against.

Last night highlighted just how important Fabinho is to Liverpool when utilised in his natural position.

Klopp does have some fit centre-backs to choose from now and that should signal an end to the £100,000-a-week star dropping into the back four.