One of the youngsters in the Liverpool squad who is expected to make a big name for himself could have been playing somewhere else this season. Marko Grujic, who was the first player signed by Jurgen Klopp in January 2016, was expected to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool.

According to the Times journalist Tony Barret, the 20-year-old midfield would have been part of the Blues had it not been for the sacking of Jose Mourinho last season.

“Grujic was recommended to Chelsea by their scouting department last year only for the proposed deal to go awry as a result of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal. Liverpool were left in pole position to complete the signing”.

This certainly comes as surprising news to many since most believed that Liverpool had taken a march on their rivals to sign the dynamic midfielder. In fact, Klopp even called Grujic and convinced him to sign for the Reds. The Serbian even stated that he had chosen the Merseyside club over others such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Chelsea could very well have gotten their man as they were also one of the clubs linked with a move for the highly rated 20-year-old.

Grujic, who can play in a number of positions, did get a few games for the Reds this season and has looked comfortable.

Performances getting better with each game

The midfielder has taken part in four games this season but his best performances have come in the EFL Cup. The 20-year-old was decent in the match against Tottenham in the last round and will hope that he can make it into the first team of the Liverpool side soon.

The Serbian is just one of a number of talented youngsters that are coming through the ranks at Anfield and it would not be a surprise to see him in the starting XI for most of the EFL and FA Cup games this season.

Grujic can play as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box one as well. In Jurgen Klopp’s midfield setting, however, each player in the centre of the park has to move about and do a lot of passing and tackling. Grujic is known for his tough tackling and his composure with the ball at his feet.

The former Red Star Belgrade player might not be the complete package yet but he is in great hands under Klopp and should only get better with time. In all possibility, his move to Liverpool was actually good for him as playing for the Blues, he probably would not have gotten these many chances to impress in the starting XI.

Grujic has started off well and he needs to keep working hard if he is to catch the eye of Klopp for a role in the Premier League as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeEUyscOqgg