Paris St-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has hailed Fabinho as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe - as he seeks to convert one of his own Brazilian into the role.

After failing to replace Thiago Motta in the no.6 role during a frustrating first summer in charge of the Ligue 1 champions, the German coach has looked to transform centre-back Marquinhos into a more advanced position.

The 24-year-old - who featured alongside Fabinho in Brazil's 2-0 win over United States this week - has predominately been used in defence throughout his career.

But he has completed 90 minutes in the holding midfield role in PSG's previous two games, and looks set to be Tuchel's mid-term solution, including when his side face Liverpool in the Champions League next week.

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Explaining why he has made the change, Tuchel cited Fabinho as one of the players whose qualities are ideal for the role.

"Marquinhos is very different to Giovani (Lo Celso)," Tuchel said. "He has the qualities we are looking for, he is fast and strong in his head.

"A player who sacrifices himself willingly is really important. We see that with players like Casemiro, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante and Sergio Busquets, this is what sets this position apart.

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"I think that Marquinhos has a lot of the qualities that make his predestined to play in this role.

"I am not 100% satisfied with the summer transfer window, to be honest with you, it was no secret that we were looking for a no.6.

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"We were looking to replace Thiago and his personality. For a no.6 at PSG, you need talent and a very big personality. We could not do it - in the end, we ran out of time.

"Now, we have 100 percent confidence in this squad and these players - we are looking forward."

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Fabinho himself changed his role while in France, switching from a right back to a no.6 during his time at Monaco.

The £40million summer arrival is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp opting to ease him into life on Merseyside.