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Fabinho was in exceptional form for Liverpool against Watford on Wednesday evening.

The midfielder was the lynchpin of Jurgen Klopp's midfield as they returned to winning ways in style, thumping the Hornets 5-0 at Anfield.

The display was one of attacking verve and flair; Virgil van Dijk scored twice, as did Sadio Mane, while Divock Origi was also on the scoresheet.

But it would not have been anywhere near as easy had Fabinho not turned in such an assiduous performance at the base of the midfield.

The Brazilian is a versatile player, capable of filling in at right-back or in the centre of the pitch but he has proven that he is more attuned to the latter.

His four tackles, per WhoScored, was the most of any Liverpool player on the pitch, while his four interceptions also topped the table of any player to start the game.

That he had two shots also emphasises his ability to drive at the opposition defence, while his 88% passing accuracy proves that he was economical in possession.

Every title-chasing team needs a solid base on which to build and Liverpool have conceded just 15 goals all season as they attempt to wrestle the Premier League title away from Manchester City.

Fabinho has been a key part of that whenever he has played. Indeed, the 25-year-old has featured in Liverpool's last 13 games; they have conceded just nine goals in those matches.

A £43.7million signing from AS Monaco in the summer, he took a while to settle and did not even make his league debut until October, as he came on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town.

But since his introduction to the first-team, he has been exceptional and was again key to Klopp's 'heavy metal' football against Watford.

The fact is simple; Liverpool play better when Fabinho is in the team.