Is Stefan Bajectic the Key to Liverpool's Midfield Future?

Liverpool’s fall from grace has been nothing short of remarkable. From second place in the Premier League and Champions League finalists last year to eighth place this year and on the brink of European elimination, things have gone from bad to worse for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
What exactly has happened to Liverpool? How have they fallen so far? As with everything in football, there’s never an easy answer. However, there’s been increasing criticism aimed at the midfield, which many feel is the reason behind the team’s struggles. Could young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic be the key to the future of Liverpool’s midfield? Let’s find out.

Who is Stefan Bajcetic?

Stefan Bajcetic Maquieira is a Spanish footballer who can play in defensive midfield or centre-back positions. Beginning his career as a youth player for La Liga club Celta Vigo, Bajcetic was soon spotted by Liverpool scouts, who noted his remarkable ability and tactical prowess for a player so young.
In December 2020, Bajcetic signed for Liverpool, with his subsequently extended after impressing the Liverpool management during preseason training sessions. He made his debut for the club in August, coming on as a substitute during Liverpool’s 9 – 0 rout of Bournemouth. He then went on to make his Champions League debut, becoming the youngest-ever player for Liverpool in the Champions League at the age of just 17.
His first goal for the club came against Aston Villa, which Liverpool went on to win 1 – 3. Since then, he has made a series of impressive appearances for the club, mainly being brought on as a substitute, but making some starts against Chelsea, Everton, and Wolves.

Liverpool’s Problems

Liverpool were flying last year. They finished second in the league and missed out on European glory after a narrow loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. This year, things couldn’t be more different. They are adrift in 8th place on the table. After 22 games, Liverpool have just 35 points, with 10 wins, five draws, and seven defeats.
While it’s impossible to point to a single issue to explain such a dramatic collapse, the midfield has certainly been a recurring issue. Long-term injuries to midfield mainstays Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Neby Keita have crippled the team, leaving Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to play more games than they’re capable of.

Is Bajcetic the Answer?

Liverpool need midfield reinforcements, and they need them quickly. The Premier League is unforgiving, if action is not taken then they risk falling further down the table. The fans simply won’t stand for such an eventuality. If players like Henderson and Fabinho are not up to the task, perhaps Jurgen Klopp needs to put more fate in the younger members of his squad.
As for the future, Bajcetic could certainly be part of a renewed Liverpool midfield. He could well be joined by rising star Jude Bellingham, who has been hotly tipped for a Liverpool transfer. Whatever happens, Liverpool need to right their wrongs, or Klopp could soon find himself in serious trouble. 

Written by Alan Spencer