Liverpool news: Fabinho is invaluable to the side, says Manchester United legend

What's the story?

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was extremely impressed with Liverpool midfielder Fabinho's performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and declared him an invaluable part of the current Liverpool squad.

In case you didn't know...

Fabinho joined Liverpool from Monaco last summer and has settled into the Reds squad pretty well after struggling for game time during the initial few months of the season.

Due to injuries and suspensions to senior defenders, Fabinho - primarily a midfielder - was forced to play as a centre-back in the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich and the Brazillian did a great job.

Jurgen Klopp's team maintained a brilliant defensive shape throughout the game and managed to keep a clean sheet against Bayern's potent attack.

The heart of the matter

Speaking to BT Sports (via Mirror), United legend Ferdinand praised Fabinho for his solid performance against Bayern.

He said:

“I thought he was fantastic. I think for any player to come into the backline in such a big game, with all eyes on him and especially having to replace the talisman, the best player in Virgil van Dijk, he did an admirable job."

He further added:

“I thought every question asked of him he answered well, in the right way. He was aggressive when he needed to be.These kind of players are invaluable to a team; someone who can fill in, in variable positions – he can play right back, centre-half now, centre midfield."

What's next?

Liverpool will play Manchester United at Old Trafford next before hosting Watford at Anfield on February 28.