Liverpool’s midfield is as stacked as they come these days. From captain Jordan Henderson, the re-emerging Naby Keita, often reliable Gini Wijnaldum to the ever-present Fabinho and new boy Thiago, the Reds’ midfield is more competitive than ever before, giving players like Marko Grujić plenty to think about when considering his future.
The Serbian arrived at Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s very first signing back in January of 2015 but has barely featured in the famous Liverpool red. Instead, he has prospered on loan in the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin, where he began to find his way as a central midfielder, and not a bad one, either.
Grujić impressed on loan and earned several plaudits in Germany; enough plaudits to probably earn him a consistent starting place in the Bundesliga. Yet, as things stand, he has chosen the competition of Liverpool over the guaranteed starting place in Germany.
Whether an offer comes in and Grujić decides to depart is yet to be seen. For now, however, he remains a Liverpool player and, potentially, a solution to a short term problem of theirs.
Could Marko Grujić Solve A Temporary Problem at Liverpool?
Statement-Making Performance Against Lincoln City
After spending two seasons in the Bundesliga, Marko Grujić’s level is above that of a Carabao Cup tie against a League One side, and it showed. The Serbian midfielder controlled the game from the off, recycling possession and putting out fires before the danger signs could even appear.
Much like most of the players in the 7-2 win, Grujić enjoyed a comfortable night and even got himself a first-ever official Liverpool goal. Grujić ticked the box for passing range and defensive work alongside proving his ability to score.
And, yes, the level of Lincoln in comparison to Liverpool made things less competitive, but, Grujić has been ticking these boxes for two years at a higher level in the Bundesliga.
The 24-year-old has waited patiently for his chance and, now, with Fabinho set to play centre-back against Arsenal, and Henderson out injured, he could get it at the Emirates.
Similarities to Fabinho
Without Fabinho and Henderson in midfield, Liverpool will struggle to find the height and battling ability needed to compete. There is a chance Jurgen Klopp could start Naby Keita, Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum together in midfield against Arsenal, but, it has to be said, defensively, that midfield may struggle to compete; it lacks that taller solution to put out the fires.
Going forward, that midfield three is as slick as it gets. Going the other way, however, and aerially, on paper, it looks like it may struggle. And that’s where Marko Grujić could come in.
The 6’3 midfielder can provide the defensive cover needed in the absence of Fabinho. In fact, the two produced similar stats in the position last season. Grujić ended the season with an average of 1.9 tackles made per game while Fabinho ended with 2.2.
When it comes to the dribbled past per game number, too, both players recorded just 1.5 per game. Fabinho outperformed Grujić when it comes to interceptions and times dispossessed, but, offensively, again, Grujić stats make for impressive reading in comparison to the Brazilian.
The Serbian made more dribbles per game, registered the same amount of goal involvements and, with 0.4 key passes per game, was just 0.3 away from Fabinho’s tally of 0.7 last season. Whilst the message isn’t that Grujić is a better player than Fabinho, it is clear that, when needed, he can step in and provide adequate cover.
Grujić Deserves Fair Chance
If the last two years proved anything to Jurgen Klopp, it is that Marko Grujić is talented enough to start for many Premier League sides. A starting place at Liverpool may be out of reach, but, Grujić would undoubtedly find a place in teams in and around the mid-table of the Premier League and perhaps even for clubs in the top eight.
Grujić has warranted at least a chance at Liverpool. Though, it is clear that, if the well-earned opportunity is not given to him, then a seat at another respected table can be found elsewhere in the Premier League.
For now, though, we wait and see whether Klopp hands Grujić the chance to provide Liverpool with a short term solution to their current injury issues.
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