The Reds manager was full of praise for the Brazilian for his performance in his makeshift role against Brighton,

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has hinted at handing versatile midfielder Fabinho a permanent new role at the center back position. The German manager was impressed with the Brazilian's performance in Saturday's narrow 1-0 win over Brighton.

With the Red's first-choice center back options in Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren all sidelined with respective injuries, Fabinho was handed a makeshift role at the back alongside Virgil Van Dijk in the weekend's Premier League clash. Prior to the fixture, the 25 years old ex-Monaco star was deployed in the same role in the FA Cup encounter with Wolves.

Unlike in the cup defeat, Fabinho staged a very commanding performance to draw out praise from his manager. When asked if the Brazilian could feature at center back once more, Jurgen Klopp replied: Asked if Fabinho could play in defense again if needed, Klopp replied: "He is a brilliant player and I am happy that he can play (against Brighton) - it's now pretty clear (that he can play in defense).

"It's not like it came one attack after the other from Brighton. We had the ball most of the time, so then it makes sense to have a good footballer in that position.

"I think Brighton tried a little bit to bring the long balls and (Glenn) Murray around him. That's what they did, by the way, against Joe Gomez in the home game as well.

"He did well in these situations and with the ball, it's absolutely clear. He has a defending brain and can do it in different positions, it's good."

Liverpool's win on Saturday restored the seven points gap between it and second-placed Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's men will be involved with Wolves on Monday night in a bid to cut down the margin.