John Barnes thinks Arne Slot has decided ‘super talented’ Liverpool youngster will play in his starting XI

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Liverpool have only played once during their pre-season tour of the USA so far but some youngsters have already made an impression.

The Reds beat Real Betis on Saturday in what was Arne Slot’s first time officially leading his team out.

It was a disjointed kind of game which was a little low on genuine quality from either side. Nevertheless, Liverpool were worthy winners, with a host of academy players getting on the pitch.

Slot chose to field 16 players who have come through the Reds youth system. They had various degrees of success, with Trey Nyoni the clear standout. Fans were amazed by Nyoni’s display in midfield.

However, according to John Barnes, another Liverpool youngster who featured in Pittsburgh has a much better chance of making it to the new head coach’s starting XI.

John Barnes tips Stefan Bajcetic for starting role

As a Liverpool legend, Barnes is currently away with the Reds in the USA, acting as an ambassador for the club and the LFC Foundation.

Consequently, the former flying winger will have had chance to see the Liverpool squad up close and personal under Slot.

And according to Barnes, there are two youngsters in particular who stand out, with one especially set to play a big role for the Reds next season.

“Quansah,” the 60-year-old told The Daily Mail. “He had a really good season and was in the England squad [for the Euros] until the last knockings but didn’t make it.

READ MORE: Liverpool one step away from signing ‘exceptional’ youngster

“And Bajcetic because that holding role for Liverpool is a very crucial role and I think we missed Fabinho when he left.

“That was earmarked for him last season but we didn’t see much of him because he was injured.

“Endo came in and did a decent job but I think that role is earmarked for him [Bajcetic],” Barnes adds.

“I’m interested to see how he fares in that role now he’s fit because that’s the most important role on the pitch, as Rodri proved, and we don’t seem to take too much notice of that.”

Arne Slot looking for more from Stefan Bajcetic

Had you been assessing Liverpool’s youngsters this time 12 months ago, then Bajcetic would have stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Although he’d just spent a period of time out injured, the Spaniard looked primed to push on during 2023/24. Jurgen Klopp called Bajcetic ‘super talented‘ in the build-up to the season.

However, a lot can change in a year. Injuries have been a nightmare for Stefan and with youngsters like Nyoni now starting to catch the eye in midfield, Bajcetic is playing catch-up a little.

It was interesting to see that when Curtis Jones came off after half an hour on Saturday, Slot turned to Nyoni and not the player two years his senior.

Slot gave an honest assessment of Bajcetic’s display when he did eventually come on, and it’s clear that he has some rust still to shake off. But Barnes is right, Liverpool should not forget that they do have a potential starter here.