Rio Ferdinand has lauded the importance of Fabinho, following Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian was played in a rare centre-back role on Tuesday night, due to Virgil van Dijk’s suspension and injuries to Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren.

While there was concern that a potent Bayern attack would exploit a makeshift Reds defence, Fabinho was outstanding throughout alongside Joel Matip.

The 25-year-old is becoming a truly influential presence for the Reds, having taken time to adapt after joining from Monaco last summer.

Speaking on BT Sport after the Champions League stalemate at Anfield, Ferdinand lauded Fabinho’s brilliance as a player:

Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport

I thought he was fantastic.

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 Dijk, he did an admirable job. 

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. He scores goals and he’s having a great impact on this team.

Very, very positive.

Fabinho is likely to return to his preferred midfield berth for Sunday’s vital Premier League clash away to Manchester United, with Van Dijk returning from his ban.

His physicality, use of the ball and all-round influence will be key to Liverpool picking up a positive result at Old Trafford.