Stefan Bajčetić : Identity Crisis or Protraction?
Stefan Bajčetić : Identity Crisis or Protraction?
In a dominant world-beater midfield after Liverpool first title win in over 30 years, in 2020 it seemed like they were at the pinnacle after the back of a World Club Cup and UCL win. From the power and captivating physicality of Fabinho, Hunger and relentless drive of Henderson and Wijnaldum, it was like no one would able to topple this midfield from the inside as contenders when all fit.
However during the 2022–23 season, a horrific start to the campaign with Liverpool picking up 9 points in 5 games and suffering a battering in the hands of Napoli 4–1, the declining nature of their relentless and physical midfield started to collapse tremendously. This can be attributed to Klopp’s ‘heavy metal football’ with its high intensity or the heart-breaking hangover from the 0–1 defeat to Real Madrid in the 2022 UCL final. Furthermore, it didn’t help with the departure of Michael Edwards who also left shortly after the season, possibly due to conflict with Klopp, as well as loanee Arthur Melo being signed but being injured against Napoli for a 19-minute cameo that injured him, he never played a single second again for the Reds.
Alas, Liverpool needed a technical midfield that can be reliable and consistent which they lack in Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain who missed 123 and 96 games respectively. In came Academy Graduate Stefan Bajčetić.
Born in Spain, his father was a footballer and a coach for Celta Vega B, so he was able to get a spot in the academy. But, this was warranted as he was praised for his high technical ability for someone his age, so many teams were in for him but Liverpool seemed victorious. In his 2 years he impressed Academy Coach Marc-Bridge Wilkinson, which gave him a promotion. Eventually having debut against Bournemouth off the bench and also making another game off the bench in the Reds’ UCL 3–0 win over Ajax. His highlight would be his stunning goal against Villa to score his first goal, being the 3rd Youngest Goal scorer for Liverpool and 2nd youngest Spanish goal scorer in the Premier League. After, signing a contract in Jan 2023 he started in heavy-hitting games until March such as Chelsea, Wolves, Everton and Manchester United; but was apart of 2–5 loss against Real.
Unfortunately, an adductor injury ruled him out the rest 22/23 season, ending his impressive run of performances. Ever-since he’s been a shadow after making a Europa League appearance against LASK, he got injured again ruling him out until April where he played around 25 minutes against Spurs. With his main mentor, Thiago, and appointee, Klopp, denaturing his future was uncertain with Arne Slot coming in. Unsurprisingly, Slot heavily praised Stefan during the Pre-season with him playing in all games it seemed like he was going to stay.
To the renowned surprise of most Liverpool supporter he left for a 1 year loan with Pep Lijinders’ RB Salzburg in Austria. His long absence in the 23/24 season did leave some eyebrows raised as he was potentially overworked in his first season as he was a joy to watch, but this meant his body wasn’t ready for the game load it could take.
All considered us Reds’ will be excited to see how he revolves in this new Liverpool side in 2025 when his loan expires, do you guys think that is absence of Klopp will impact his ability to perform at a high level? Feel free to create a discussion in the comment section below.
Thank you very much for reading.
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