Stefan Bajcetic: A Strong Fit as Liverpool’s No. 8 – with Potential for Evolution


Stefan Bajcetic is currently seen as best suited to the role of a No. 8 midfielder for Liverpool, but his position may evolve over time as he continues to develop and adapt to the demands of the team.

Stefan Bajcetic: Liverpool's teenage star primed to take over from Fabinho  in Klopp's midfield | Goal.com UK

Amidst Liverpool’s shortage of defensive midfielders, there’s been a growing interest in Stefan Bajcetic’s potential to take on that role. But is that truly his optimal position?

Stefan Bajcetic: Liverpool midfielder reveals he will miss rest of breakout  season with injury | Football News | Sky Sports

The emergence of this young Spaniard into Liverpool’s first team last season was somewhat unexpected. While he had steadily progressed through Liverpool’s academy since his arrival from Celta Vigo’s youth team in 2021, his rapid promotion to Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI caught even those who were familiar with Bajcetic off guard.

Bajcetic se pierde lo que queda de temporada por lesión!

His technical prowess had always been evident, but what really surprised observers was his aptitude for tackling when playing for the first team. His exceptional awareness, combined with his tenacity in tackling, made him a go-to midfielder for Klopp as senior players faced declines in form.

Liverpool youngster Stefan Bajcetic signs a new four-year deal with the Reds

Unfortunately, Bajcetic’s season was cut short in March due to an adductor injury. Initially described by Klopp as “absolutely bad,” the recovery period turned out to be less severe than feared. Now, he’s gradually reintegrating into the team, appearing as an unused substitute against Bournemouth and then omitted from the squad against Newcastle.

Stefan Bajcetic, từ MU đến viên ngọc Liverpool

In this new environment, marked by the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones’ resurgence at the end of the previous season, competition for a midfield spot is fierce. Nevertheless, Klopp has consistently emphasized that Bajcetic remains in his plans.

Stefan Bajcetic could be the answer to Liverpool's midfield issue - Premier  League hits and misses | Football News | Sky Sports

At present, the most apparent position for him to occupy is the No. 6 role. The arrival of Wataru Endo has alleviated concerns about this position, but at 30 years old, Endo is viewed by most as a temporary solution until a long-term successor to Fabinho is found. Many believe that this successor could already be within the club, embodied by Bajcetic, but there are reasons to consider that the Spaniard might be better suited to a box-to-box role than as a pure defensive midfielder.

Liverpool's Bajcetic to miss rest of season with injury | Reuters

Klopp initially deployed the youngster as a defensive midfielder, but it quickly became evident that Bajcetic performed better when in a slightly more advanced position. His incisive passing provided a significant boost to Liverpool’s front line after Christmas, and a goal at Villa Park on Boxing Day showcased his composure in the opposition’s penalty area.

Stefan Bajcetic becomes Liverpool's youngest-ever Champions League player -  Liverpool FC - This Is Anfield

Off the ball, the 18-year-old displayed energy and quickness in closing down opponents – a prerequisite to play under Klopp. However, statistical analysis hinted that he may not be on par with the league’s elite defensive midfielders. Last season, albeit from a smaller sample size, Bajcetic averaged 1.03 tackles per 90 minutes, while players like Fabinho, Rodri, and Casemiro managed 1.28, 1.27, and 1.94 tackles per game, respectively.

Stefan Bajcetic wins Standard Chartered Men's Player of the Month -  Liverpool FC

Where Bajcetic truly excelled was in delivering passes into the penalty area, with 1.21 per 90, outperforming others in this regard. His greatest asset arguably lies in his vision and awareness. With exceptional ball control, he possessed the ability, akin to renowned Spaniards like Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi, to manipulate opponents with clever body positioning.

Liverpool's best player! Teenage star Stefan Bajcetic has Jurgen Klopp and  Mo Salah singing his praises | Goal.com US

While being a modern defensive midfielder demands this skill, Bajcetic offered more. At times, it felt like he was restrained when playing as a holding midfielder. Mastering the defensive midfield role requires time and experience, as exemplified in his encounter with Luka Modric during a home game against Real Madrid last season.

Stefan Bajcetic: Klopp tells me to show my confidence – he likes my  intensity

Perhaps, with time, Bajcetic will fully adapt to the holding midfield role. For now, though, his remarkable ability to utilize the ball from various angles makes him a more suitable No. 8 than a No. 6. That’s my perspective, at least.

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