Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted with the performance of Lucas Leiva in their 1-0 win over Augsburg.

The Brazilian replaced Kolo Toure alongside Mamadou Sakho in central defence and was integral in the Reds' narrow victory which sees them through to the Round of 16 in the Europa League.

While normally a central midfielder, Lucas adapted well to a defensive role and his display was well-received by Klopp who explained his decision to leave out veteran Ivorian Toure.

"I knew we had to play more football from the last line; Kolo has a lot of quality and skills but the first one is not that he always wants to play," he said.

"Against deep defending we needed in nearly all positions a player who wants to play a pass. Not the last pass from the last line but with passing skills. That was one thing.

"The other thing was that Kolo did really well and played great for us but has a lot of games now in his legs. Lucas was waiting and everybody could see he played this role really well.

"I'm really pleased for him. It's not too easy for Lucas when he doesn't play, he's a different person!

"Everything is OK but it's not easy for him to enjoy life when he's not playing. So he deserved this game and I'm really pleased for him."