Liverpool haven’t signed a fourth choice central defender.
But after the 2-0 victory over Chelsea, it is clear to see why.
Sadio Mane scored a wonderful header, then followed it by capitalising on Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake to make it two.
But it was Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, occupying the central defensive position, who stole the show for many Liverpool fans. He was a key part of the Reds first clean sheet of the season.
After deputising for the injured Joe Gomez and Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho ranked highest for tackles, interceptions, possession gained, and successful passes among Liverpool players. He also ranked second for touches.
This is against a team featuring Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount as the front three, who hit 47 league goals combined last season for their respective clubs.
The performance potentially should come as no surprise to Reds fans, as Fabinho has been excellent previously in that position.
He kept a clean sheet in the Champions League last 16 tie against Bayern Munich alongside Joel Matip in Van Dijk’s absence, as well as performing well there in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup.
Fabinho does have the attributes to play centre back. Tall, gangly, almost like a modified and upgraded Mamadou Sakho. With passing range second to none, and telescopic legs for interceptions, he really can step up for champions in times of need, or on a permanent basis.
Fabinho lining up at centre-back allows for another of the Reds world class midfield unit to get a look in. This sees the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have a greater pathway into the first team which, with the arrival of Thiago, seemed an impossible task.
If he continues playing in this way with Gomez and Matip’s absence, or even in their presence, he has staked a real claim for his evolution into Van Dijk’s partner, instead of his shield.