‘Fabinho is one of the best centre backs in the world’: Liverpool star hailed for his sublime goal-line clearance as he covers for Virgil van Dijk in defence as Rio Ferdinand declares him ‘unbelievable’ for denying Ajax
- Fabinho made a spectacular goal-line clearance in the first half against Ajax
- The Brazilian got back just in the nick of time to deny Dusan Tadic from scoring
- Fans heaped praise on him after his stunning piece of defending saved a goal
- Rio Ferdinand described the Liverpool star’s clearance as ‘unbelievable’
Fabinho was labelled ‘one of the best centre backs in the world’ after making an ‘unbelievable’ goal-line clearance in Liverpool‘s Champions League game with Ajax.
The Brazilian, who was covering for Virgil van Dijk after he suffered a season-ending injury in their draw with Everton at the weekend, saved a certain goal with a stunning piece of defending to ensure Liverpool’s lead was preserved.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side broke the deadlock in Amsterdam after Sadio Mane‘s deflected cross was turned into his own net by Nicolas Tagliafico.
Fabinho made a stunning goal-line clearance to ensure Liverpool’s lead was preserved
Fabinho, who was covering in defence for Virgil van Dijk, read the danger to get back in time
But the hosts responded well and almost equalised just minutes before the interval when Dusan Tadic was sent clear through and looped a finish over Adrian.
Fortunately for Liverpool, Fabinho’s defensive instincts had kicked in and he got back to spectacularly clear the ball just in the nick of time.
The 26-year-old, who normally plays in deep-lying midfield role, deservedly earned huge plaudits from Liverpool fans.
One wrote on social media: ‘Fabinho is the best defensive midfielder and one of the best centre-backs in the world. That’s the tweet.’
Tadic must’ve thought he’d scored when he lobbed Adrian but Fabinho was there to thwart
Another added: ‘Fabinho doing the job of a centre back and keeper. World class.’
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand also heaped praise on Fabinho at the half-time break.
‘I mean that was unbelievable from Fabinho,’ he said on BT Sport.
‘As a centre-half, you have got to run back, the play is never over, you see it out and it was a fantastic clearance.’
And it proved to be a telling moment in the match with Tagliafico’s own goal the only thing separating the two teams at full-time.
Rio Ferdinand described Fabinho’s goal-saving clearance as ‘unbelievable’ at half-time
