Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Fabinho has more than adequately replaced Emre Can, now of Juventus.
Fabinho impressed at centre-back in midweek as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with Virgil van Dijk suspended. Klopp says the Brazil international's versatility has been a major bonus this season, with Liverpool struggling for defensive cover at times.
He said: “It is great to have him as an option for both positions. His natural position is in midfield but because he can play at centre-half it makes him an unbelievably valuable player for us. “We knew last year that we would lose Emre Can who is of a similar profile. “Because Fabinho can play at centre-back it helps us a lot but he is a midfielder and we will use him most of the time in that position."