Alan Shearer highlights big Liverpool issue involving Stefan Bajcetic
18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic made history when he stepped out to play against Real Madrid as he became the youngest ever to feature for Liverpool FC in a UEFA Champions League game. It was truly a gamble that Jurgen Klopp would’ve hoped to work in our favour, but didn’t.
It is huge to expect a teenager who was playing in the U18 squad no more than a year ago to turn up against the reigning European Champions in a midfield with the likes of Luka Modric and Federico Valverde and expect him to get the better of his much experienced Madrid counterparts.
Even though he was great in transition and press, on the ball, the player still has a lot of work to do and this game clearly showed that. Bajcetic’s confidence is beyond his age and that is great, but with Luka Modric in front of him, there was only one way things could go.
Alan Shearer had a few words to say about the youngster and here is what he said via Liverpool Echo:
“Young Bajcetic, I think in reality he should be in and out of this Liverpool team.”
“You look at him and think he’s their best midfielder at this moment, getting the ball, threading that pass, for an 18-year-old it’s a big ask for him to get in there against the superstars of that Real Madrid midfield. When we said before the game are Liverpool back? I don’t think so, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect tonight and that’s the reason why.”
Is Bajcetic given an extended run of games with the first team?
It was great to see the confidence his teammates show in him by lending Bajcetic the ball in important moments during the transition. But the fact is, he is an 18-year-old and it is too early for him to take his chances and has to play safe to ensure steady growth in the first team.
However, making the run after passing Bajcetic isn’t the smartest decision. In a midfield wherein he is under pressure from a few of the world’s best players around him, it is practically impossible for him to carry and continue the play and will lose the ball more often than not, as we saw yesterday.
Moreover, if Bajcetic fails to perform in a game or two, he may become the target of unwanted criticism from fans and the media. This could be detrimental to his development and confidence, which is crucial for a young player like him. The pressure to perform at the highest level consistently can be overwhelming, and it is important to remember that Bajcetic is still in the early stages of his career.
More Liverpool News:
- Liverpool lead the race to sign Jude Bellingham amid Real Madrid interest
- Jordan Henderson pinpoints when Liverpool capitulated vs Real Madrid
- Transfer News: Liverpool eye a move for RB Salzburg’s Luka Sucic
Providing him with adequate support and guidance could help him thrive and develop into a top-class player. Ultimately, Liverpool’s approach towards Bajcetic should balance his potential with the need for caution to avoid any unwanted consequences.
