Jurgen Klopp told Stefan Bajcetic to play like he does in training as he made his Liverpool debut at Anfield today.
Klopp gave Bajcetic his debut as Liverpool annihilated Bournemouth 9-0. And speaking to LFCTV after the game, the 17-year-old said he had been hopeful of getting some minutes on the pitch.
“I was talking with Bobby [Clark], I said ‘this is our time, we’re going to go on’ and we did, so happy days,” said Bajcetic before revealing Klopp’s advice. “[Klopp said] Just play like you do in training – with confidence. Don’t worry about it, it’s the same as in training, all the games.”
With 20 minutes left and Liverpool already 7-0 up, it was an ideal time for the youngster to take his bow. After a massively impressive pre-season, it’s no less than Bajcetic deserves.
Two debuts for Klopp’s kids on perfect day
It was no surprise to see Klopp turn to his young bench as Liverpool wrapped up the game early on against Bournemouth.
As well as Bajcetic, Bobby Clark also got his first competitive minutes at senior level. But whereas Clark was only given seven minutes or so to make his mark, Bajcetic had a little longer.
That speaks to the confidence that Klopp and the coaching staff have in the young Spaniard. He really did look the business in pre-season and has been training with the first-team ever since.
Having been named on the bench for all four Premier League games so far, he’s obviously very highly-rated.
Of course, he would likely not be in the squads if not for injuries to more senior players. But young players at this level have to take their chances when they’re given, and Bajcetic has stepped up really well.
Today wasn’t the easiest game to judge him in, as it was more-or-less a training exercise by the time he entered the pitch. But he kept things ticking along nicely in the manner we became accustomed to this summer.
As more familiar faces return, both he and Clark will likely find themselves back with the U21’s or U18’s. What an experience for them today, though. By the time the domestic cup games come around, they’ll be in with a shout once more.
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