Jordan Henderson has claimed that Stefan Bajcetic is the only Liverpool player in any kind of form right now.
The Reds got back to winning ways last night, ending a run of five Premier League games without a win. It has been a difficult period for the club, but it has seen the emergence of young Bajcetic as a shining light.
And speaking to LFCTV after the 2-0 win over Everton, Henderson admitted that the 18-year-old had bee one of the few players pulling his weight.
“He’s [Bajcetic] been outstanding since he came into the team. What we’ve needed over the last few weeks and even though the performances haven’t been great he’s been the one that has probably stood out and performed to the levels he’s capable of. Tonight was the same” said the captain.
Time for Bajcetic to share the burden
Bajcetic’s ability to stand out in a team playing well below their standards is arguably the most impressive thing about his recent form.
Some would argue that it’s easier for the Spaniard to stand out with others around him playing poorly. If Bajcetic were a seasoned pro, then this may be true.
But for an 18-year-old, it shows real leadership and outstanding quality. It would be easy for him to hide. Should things not go well, there would be an easy out for Bajcetic to point to – everyone else is rubbish too.
Instead, the youngster has seemingly made it his mission to drag Liverpool back to a semblance of their former selves.
That hunger has rightfully earned him a place in Jurgen Klopp’s best XI right now. The challenge now is to stay there.
Bajcetic has already spoken of how ‘special’ it would be to play against Real Madrid next Tuesday. If he carries on his form this weekend at Newcastle, he’s almost assured of that already.
Do well against the European Champions, and things will really start to go into overdrive for him.
In the meantime, there is another angle to Henderson’s critique – the rest of the Liverpool squad haven’t been good enough. Nowhere near it. Yesterday was a step in the right direction, but they need to continue that. As good as he is, it’s time for Bajcetic to stop showing them up.