‘Exceptional’ prospect did what no one else could for Liverpool yesterday

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Stefan Bajcetic had a mixed game for Liverpool against Brighton. Despite that, we think Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with his performance.

Liverpool are out of the FA Cup and they can’t have too many complaints if any. Brighton beat them 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner – the second time they’ve beaten the Reds this month.

At least this time it wasn’t quite as emphatic as the first time.

And so Jurgen Klopp won’t be happy and that was certainly the picture he painted with his post-match interview. That’s not to say that there aren’t any positives, though.

We think Stefan Bajcetic, despite a mixed display, did give some hope here. The 18-year-old – who recently signed a new long-term contract – won three tackles in this game, picked up an interception, and passed the ball reasonably well.

Now, it’s important to note that Bajcetic attempted six tackles here. He failed with three, two of which came on the edge of Liverpool’s box. It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means.

Perhaps more importantly, though, two of them came inside Brighton’s half. Bajcetic won possession with both, too, and Liverpool as a team only managed that three times.

That’s despite using Cody Gakpo was a False 9 designed to press midfielders. The only other player to do it once was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Jordan Henderson. The captain came on as a substitute for half an hour and did manage to win the ball high up the pitch.

For starting players, however, Bajcetic was the only one. And perhaps that’s telling.

Stefan Bajcetic for Liverpool

Pressing high to win the ball back is a hallmark of Klopp’s Liverpool. It’s supposed to be their primary tactic, in fact, and a gameplan they stick to above anything else. Wether they’re playing for possession or counter-attacking, the Reds still push high to get the ball.

It’s been sorely lacking this season. Everyone watching Liverpool can see the press has dropped off thanks to a disjointed attack and a midfield that lacks energy.

Bajcetic, though, is showing he can do it and Liverpool must keep him in the side for now. Yes, he’s only 18 but Klopp believes he’s an ‘exceptional’ talent and one who can consistently start.

We think he’s now a vital player for getting the press back to where it was. Bajcetic has forced his way into starting XI by delivering what Klopp wants. Today was further evidence of that and at a time when Liverpool struggle, the Spaniard should be a go-to.