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Fabinho must start in defence v Bayern

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Image for Fabinho must start in defence v Bayern

OPINION

Jurgen Klopp is a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of guy, but even he would admit that Liverpool’s defensive issues going into next week’s Champions League clash wth Bayern Munich are a cause for concern.

With Virgil van Dijk suspended and Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren injured, the German’s only available senior centre-half is Joel Matip.

That leaves the Reds with a dilemma that essentially boils down to a simple question – do they play Jordan Henderson or Fabinho in the heart of defence?

Neither is an ideal option on paper, but for the sake of the Reds’ Champions League hopes, Klopp must put his trust in the Brazilian over his experienced English campaigner.

Fabinho took a while to grow into his role at the club, and for a long time it looked as if he could be an expensive mistake, but he has really blossomed in recent weeks, and has even played in defence against Wolves and Brighton.

Given the choice, Klopp would obviously much prefer to be deploying the 25-year-old in his usual position in front of the back four, but given the necessity of the situation, Fabinho could thrive in a more responsible capacity.

His reading of the game is exemplary and he is not shy in the challenge.

It’s unfortunate that his baptism of fire will likely come against one of the bets attacking lineups in Europe, but needs must, and there is no reason why, surrounded by experienced teammates, he cannot step up to the plate and become an unlikely European hero.

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