The former Liverpool star was impressed with the way Fabinho played in defence against Chelsea despite being a defensive midfielder by trade.
With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip injured for the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge last weekend, the Brazil international was deployed in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The 26-year-old was superb at the back and played like a veteran central defender, as Liverpool won the match 2-0.
Barnes said on Bonus Code Bets: “Fabinho was brilliant against Chelsea at the weekend, he won’t make a big impact in central defence long term, but it’s good to know he can slot in there effectively when he needs to.
“When he (Fabinho) plays in midfield as the more defensively minded player, he makes a big impact. There is not many better than him in that position and he proved how good he was in this role so many times last season.
“For me, when it comes to the conundrum of who plays in midfield, he is one of the first names on the team sheet for me as he is the only real holding midfielder in the squad.”