The smiles were back at Anfield. Stefan Bajcetic’s one was especially beaming. Why not? A future club legend in Mohammed Salah had just singled him out as the bright spot amongst the recent horror shows. A year ago, Bajcetic was playing under-18 football for Liverpool, a year later he was holding the man-of-the-match trophy in a Merseyside derby. No smile could match the joy he was feeling.
The Talent of Stefan Bajcetic
Derby Showcase
One of the unparalleled satisfactions of watching football is when a player can gracefully dance past defenders and continue to possess the ball. It provides immense joy as fans physically observe a world-class technician that can defy any form of press. It reflects the mentality of the player – “whatever questions you throw at me, I will have an answer for you”. It is a sign of utmost confidence and security. A similar satisfaction resonated with those at Anfield on Monday evening as they watched the Spaniard at work.
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The Anfield gush complimented each of his glides past the pressure of Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye. They didn’t make it easy work for him. Sean Dyche had a clear plan to make Liverpool’s midfield dysfunctional by placing immense pressure on them – Bajcetic was at the heart of not letting that plan succeed. Body feint, quick turn, nifty footwork, pass and move on. It was his routine in the second half.
Flexibility
Stefan Bajcetic’s poise on the field seems to be coherent with his personality off the field. As an upbeat, animated, and wide-chested Jurgen Klopp revealed after the whistle – the teenager’s technical role was a foreign one for him. He had been instructed to play as a number 8 and when appropriate join Fabinho in a double pivot to provide extra support. It was much more complicated than his usual number 6 pivot role. The teenager stood up to the challenge and answered a midfield conundrum for his side – with maturity and composure is beyond his years.
From being a primary centre-back in last year’s youth squad to a box-to-box midfielder for the main team, Klopp placed his faith in the young man in a match where there was no room for error. If The Reds faltered again, boos would’ve filled the stands, the negativity would’ve reached a dark crescendo. However, Bajcetic embraced the responsibility and delivered for his manager.
Perhaps, it was a case of astute man-management from the manager. He may have recognised the ambition and determination of the young man to contribute at the top level – perhaps an older player with more baggage may have denied the positional change due to the insecurity and discomfort associated with such a foreign tactical role. Nevertheless, the decision provided instant dividends.
The innocent smile on Bajcetic’s face may be glued on for another few days. After all, his life is changing before his eyes as he flourishes and succeeds in every opportunity he has been presented with. For Liverpool, each match has become a must-win, the occasions don’t get easier with Newcastle United at St. James Park and Real Madrid next week. Klopp, will once again turn to his emerging midfield star, and as always he will be up for the challenge – but the question beckons – will it be enough?
