Liverpool news: Rio Ferdinand singles out ONE Reds player after Bayern Munich draw

Former England centre-back Ferdinand was full of praise for Fabinho, who slotted into an unfamiliar role in defence.

Liverpool were without Virgil van Dijk due to suspension and Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren because of their respective injuries.

Fabinho played alongside Joel Matip at the back and Bayern Munich’s star striker Robert Lewandowski failed to have an impact on the last-16 first leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

Ferdinand says versatile players like Fabinho are vital to managers.

And he reckons the Brazilian has shown he is more than capable of filling in at the back for Liverpool in the future.

“I thought he was fantastic,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

“I think for any player to come into the backline in such a big game, all eyes on him, especially having to replace the talisman, the best player in Virgil van Dik.

“He did an admirable job.

“This was a great tackle on Lewandowski in the box.

“I thought every question that was asked of him he answered well in the right way.

“He was aggressive when he needed to be.

“These types of players are invaluable to a team. Someone who can fill in in several positions.

“He can play right-back, he can play centre-half now, he can play centre-midfield.

“He scores goals, he’s assisting at the moment, so he’s having a great impact on this team.

“Very, very positive.”

source: express.co.uk