There has been a lot of buzz going around the Anfield regarding the future of many players from the squad. Even without the Champions League football, their manager Jurgen Klopp has managed to sign seven top class players, and now, with those many arrivals, there isn’t any room in the squad especially in the midfield.
Talking specifically, then many believed that Liverpool’s midfielder Lazar Markovic would be heading out of the Anfield as he failed to put a mark in his very first season with the club and also he was very average last season with Fenerbahçe, with whom, he spent a short loan spell.
The 22-year-old Serbian winger was bought by Liverpool’s former manager Brendan Rodgers back in the summer of 2014 and the player himself came with a huge reputation as he had won, three Serbian titles, one Portuguese title, and one Europa League runners-up medal. At the age of 20, the Serbian had more than 100 senior appearances to his name, but Markovic failed badly in the Premier League in his very first season, and the utmost reason being, his lack of physical strength. In his debut season, the winger made 34 appearances to his name and was only able to score 3 goals. Looking at his form, the manager decided to loan him out to the Turkish side Fenerbahçe, but he failed there as well, majorly due to the constant injury problems.
Now, many believed that this was it for the promising star! This was his last chance, but the new manager Jurgen Klopp stated that he sees Markovic in his plans for Liverpool. The 22-year-old came back to Liverpool to treat an injury and Klopp revealed he has spoken to the player about his future.
“Lazar has a muscle problem so he is back for us at the moment,” Klopp said.
“You will have to ask the doctor for the exact diagnosis but he’s not available. He’s not our player for this season so he will have to go back.
“We had a little talk about things. I said at the start of pre-season you will be very welcome and then it’s up to you.
“That is how it is in football. It’s a long pre-season and if he wants to come back to Liverpool in July he’s welcome.
“We are short on wingers. Everybody who is involved in pre-season can have a part to play next season. We need a big squad because of the European Championships.
“Pre-season is a long time to show what you have and then after this we’ll make decisions.”
Now, the Serbian has played a few games for the Reds in the pre-season, and it really seems like Markovic could really reach his expectations this time. Well, this is a real question that if Klopp decides to keep him at the club, will he be able to get the proper time on the pitch? Right at this very moment, he cannot really challenge for the top spot because the team already have Coutinho and Mane for the wings, but besides them, the side does not really have the concrete options (except Wijnaldum).
This is no secret that Markovic now has great experience of a top brand football, hence, he could really serve the team as an alternative for Coutinho and Mane. Thanks to his versatility, he could be deployed on both the flanks and could be a real threat in counter attacks as he possesses a blistering pace. Well, he still needs to work on his stamina and also on his work rate as he could struggle to fit into Klopp’s gegenpressing, but we are sure that eventually, he could make a difference.
The manager, Jurgen Klopp, is known for his reputation amongst the youths, hence, it is safe to say that Markovic could really revive his career under the manager. Jurgen Klopp is now ready to trust James Milner to play in the left back role, and we might see Milner playing there for a long time if Liverpool fails to buy a left back. And if that happens, Lazar could get his chance (most probably as a substitute). Sending him on loan again might stall his progress in the Premier League as the 22-year-old will lack the English experience, hence, we solely believe that Liverpool should not allow Markovic to go out on loan again.
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