Liverpool were without Joe Gomez and Joel Matip when they travelled down to London this weekend to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Fabinho was drafted in as a makeshift centre-half alongside the absolute stalwart that is Virgil van Dijk, and he did a more than acceptable job.
His performance in the first-half got Liverpool fans talking, some going as far as to suggest the Reds were ‘much more solid‘ with the Brazilian at the back.
Jurgen Klopp is said to be interested in bringing a new centre-half this summer if funds can be made available, but it seems Fab may be able to offer some depth.
MORE: (Video) Big Klopp hug for Thiago after lovely Liverpool debut at Stamford Bridge
At least that’s what many Liverpool supporters on Twitter seem to think.
It’s likely the midfielder can’t be considered a viable choice on a consistent basis, but Gomez’s injury record has improved in recent seasons – so that could be a moot point.
Many supporters were happy enough with Fabinho playing as a centre-back at Stamford Bridge, but perhaps that’s because it was a one-off.
It take the Brazilian away from midfield, where he is an important cog – but there is no denying a solid performance at the back gives Klopp options.
Here’s some select tweets by Liverpool fans:
https://twitter.com/Dylanmain2000/status/1307716543703285766
https://twitter.com/lfc98callum/status/1307716719151067136
First half good solid performance. We just need to keep going and the goals will come. Fabinho's looking awesome at centre back 👊 💪
— Davey.G LFC (@DaveyG80) September 20, 2020
Fabinho was absolutely outstanding at centre back tbf.
Actually think Fabinho has the ability to be a world class centre back if he wanted to. Has all the right necessary tools. Just a shame that he’s already one of the best holding midfielders in the world.
— Anfield Fix 🇵🇸 (@AnfieldFix) September 20, 2020
One other note to make: even though he isn't an orthodox centre back, Fabinho looks very comfortable in that position. #CHELIV
— Stuart Gaynor (@StueyG2009) September 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/KR89JFT96/status/1307719007835959303
Fabinho second best centre half in the world
— Keelyn Cotter (@KeelynCotter98) September 20, 2020
Fabinho as a Centre back >>>>> Maguire
— vasco (@nanakwakuvasco) September 20, 2020
Mad how Fabinho is the second best centre half in the prem behind Virg
— James Anderson (@JamesAndo01) September 20, 2020
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— SumUp (@SumUp) September 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/KenzoyermeffLFC/status/1307719802539118594
Fabinho’s centre back performance was the best thing from that first half
— #FSGOUT (@_anjaleer) September 20, 2020
Fabinho has been very very decent in that centre back role. I am impressed. Excellent player through and through.
— Coby B (@eric_coby) September 20, 2020
Fabinho not fazed at all centre back , think Firmino needs needs a few games on the bench tbh
— Ciarán🍇 (@ciaranallen19) September 20, 2020