“Rare positive things”- Jurgen Klopp impressed by teenage Liverpool star following full-league debut vs Chelsea

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is full of praise for star kid Stefan Bajcetic

18-year-old Liverpool academy star Stefan Bajcetic made his first league start for Liverpool when the Reds took on Chelsea on Saturday. The Spanish U18 international moved to the Reds’ Youth Setup from Celta Vigo in 2020.

Earlier this season, the player scored his first goal for the senior team when he came on as a substitute in the 79th minute against Aston Villa. The defensive midfielder was mighty impressive in the mid-season friendlies against AC Milan and has taken to life at the senior level in his stride.

Even against Chelsea, the player put in a solid performance and rightly earned plaudits from his manager after the full-time whistle. Jurgen Klopp spoke highly of the talented midfielder and also chipped in a few words about Harvey Elliott.

Klopp knows that the current situation is extremely difficult for the Reds but acknowledges that such circumstances open the door for youngsters like Bajcetic to perform and try to get the Reds beyond the line. Here is what he said about the 18-year-old via Liverpool Echo:

“There are not a lot of good things about the situation we are in, but obviously that opens doors and gaps and [creates] situations for young players,”

“That is obviously one of the rare positive things and especially Stefan.

“I am not even sure the door was open but Stefan right through it and he was exceptional in this moment, I think that is clear. We have to be careful with him because he is really young. He got a yellow card and I am not sure it was entirely his fault to be honest (after Thiago’s pass) but he was still really good in the game.”

Klopp speaks highly of Stefan

Even though Bajcetic stood on the receiving end of a yellow card, the rest of the game was pretty solid for the player. This game marked his 10th

appearance for Liverpool which also includes three UEFA Champions League matches.

Even though he is still young, the decision-making he shows on the pitch is way beyond his age and is certainly proving to be a good-quality understudy for Fabinho, who saw himself on the bench for Stefan. The Brazilian is himself going through a lean patch, but that is a discussion for some other time.

At the moment, what Liverpool need is more youngsters like Bajcetic who can give in their all for the team as we are in a transitional phase. Jude Bellingham on our transfer radar certainly will not come cheap.

The solution to all our major problems lies with more investment channelled towards recruitment. FSG need to have a look at themselves in the nearest mirror and need to introspect on whether their business model for the Reds is actually sustainable.

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool plan on late January swoop for Wolves’ captain Ruben Neves
• Liverpool shows interest in Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters
• Jurgen Klopp reveals he will “not leave” Liverpool dugout; hints at other changes

Up next, is Brighton (A) in the FA Cup. Liverpool have kept their second consecutive clean sheet across all competitions and long may it continue. It would be nice to see the Reds score a goal or two as well though.