Jamie Carragher has admitted that Liverpool youngster Stefan Bajcetic proved him completely wrong against Everton tonight.
Bajcetic started his fifth game in a row in Liverpoolâs midfield as they lined up for a crucial Merseyside Derby. Tasked with nullifying a strong-looking Everton midfield, it was a big ask for the 18-year-old.
But just as he has all season, Bajcetic answered those doubts emphatically. Calm on the ball and strong in the tackle, Carragher couldnât help but be impressed during commentary for Sky Sports.
âI have to be honest before the game I wanted Henderson and Fabinho back in the team and I wasnât sure about the young lad coping with the physicality,â said the Liverpool legend. âHeâs been absolutely fantastic in this first half that young lad.â
Bajcetic answers the doubters â again
There might have been a few raised eyebrows from supporters when the team news filtered through this evening.
Not only did Jurgen Klopp keep with the centre-backs who were so poor against Wolves, but he also went with both Fabinho and Bajcetic in the midfield.
Purely based on form, Fabinho perhaps had no business being in the team. That wasnât the surprise though, the 29-year-old is the experienced head that you sometimes need for these physical games. He usually starts the big matches.
Instead, it was a little bit of shock to see both he and Bajcetic there. Both have played almost exclusively as âNo.6âs at Liverpool.
But whatever Kloppâs thinking, it worked for Liverpool. The young Spaniard was absolutely brilliant tonight.
No matter how many times you watch him play, Bajcetic just continues to surprise â in a good way. Thrown in for a huge, huge game with Liverpool desperate for a win, he came up with the goods again. Everything was crisp, everything was clean, the energy was excellent. One moment in particular caught Carragherâ eye, too.
With a bouncing ball loose in midfield, Bajcetic raced to get there first. Back to goal, the teenager gave a delightful little flicked backheel through the legs of the onrushing Everton defender. It set Liverpool off on yet another counterarrack from a seemingly impossible position.
âBrilliant young man, brilliant son!â raved the 45-year-old. He wonât have been the only one impressed. This young lad just keeps getting better and better. Come the summer time, his emergence will have cost Liverpool millions. A very well deserved Man of the Match.