Topic: Stefan Bajčetić

[TepidT2O]

He’s so calm, never panics, he’s always in control.  He’s not player I ever worry about

[Lynndenberries]

He’s so calm, never panics, he’s always in control.  He’s not player I ever worry about

Yep, his composure on the ball is incredible for someone his age. Good to see him back and looking forward to seeing more growth this season.

[JackWard33]

Fantastic performance given how long he’s been out - no idea what his best position will be but really fun watching him develop

[RF]

Macmanaman talks some shite, Bajcetic was class.
Oh and Endo is not really bringing anything so far. Early day and all that though I suppose.

[RedEire]

Loved having him back, played very well for his first match back and in a new role. He covered loads of ground and was brilliant in possession.

[TAA66]

I’m thinking if he could do Trent’s role? Has both the playmaking and defensive capabilities that position requires.  In the game against Villa, Trent was interchanging with Matip and going central too, which i think Baj would be comfortable with.  Would love to see us try this in either EL or LC.

I was thinking he had the tools as an understudy for Trents role in the team, was good to see it in action tonight.  Needs to build up the minutes slowly, and he’ll be a real asset to the team. 

[farawayred]

Never thought of this until the Europa game, but he could be the backup to Trent's role. Gomez seemed lost in it before... Of course, bot can learn to do it better, and neither will be as good as Trent in it, but I think Bajcetic might be the better fit.

[classycarra]

Great to have him back. In spite of the horrible pitch conditions, knitted some lovely touches and first time passes as we've come to expect. The tactical switch at half time to ensure he was the first option to receive the ball from Kelleher/CBs laid the foundations for the improved performance, as his bravery technique and passing was on another level and opened up better avenues

[lamonti]

I had discussed that I didn't think he was suitable for this role but he looks suitable to do pretty much anything on the pitch. Lovely footballer. Even taking some setpieces.

Mind you, I think this inverted fullback role is daft. Just play him in midfield.

[Magix]

Not sure how he'd do as a more conventional rightback but he's pretty much as natural an inverted rightback backup to Trent as you'll find!

[Draex]

Clearly rusty but still a class act. Looks to have bulked up as well, really looks first 11 ready.

[spider-neil]

Good run out after being out for months.

[tubby]

Thought he did alright but also looked way off the pace, which is understandable.  It'll be at least 5 games before he's properly up and running, but great to see him back.

[keyop]

Still hard to believe he's only 18.

Composed, versatile, never panics, great passing and ball control, and a tough tackler. You can also tell all the other players trust him to receive the ball under pressure, and he's already got a Gini-like ability to shield the ball and play his way out of danger.

It's easy to see him becoming a world class 6 or CM for us, plus he's clearly good enough to occassionally fill in as a RB or CB which is a massive bonus. Going to be great watching him develop over the next few years.

[Gus 1855]

Thought he struggled when isolated one on one out wide, but happy as larry when he was in the middle. His touch, passing and tackling is generally excellent. I'd have no issue with him starting as a 6 at the moment. I would have an issue with him as RB or whatever we call that nowadays.

He could grow into that position, but if there's one worry about him, it's his acceleration, but that's something that may come back/appear once he get's fully fit.

[redbyrdz]

Thought he looked better whenever he drifted into the middle. But then it's easier to get involved in the game in the middle.

[Knight]

He’s not a right back so if he found it tricky out there it’s no surprise. He is though a 6 and I’d be playing him there as much as possible in Europe. We know he’s good enough to start games for us and we know he’s the future. Would rather put Endo at right back if we’re desperate for someone to play there.

[RedG13]

He’s not a right back so if he found it tricky out there it’s no surprise. He is though a 6 and I’d be playing him there as much as possible in Europe. We know he’s good enough to start games for us and we know he’s the future. Would rather put Endo at right back if we’re desperate for someone to play there.

The Thing is Endo needs to learn how to be able to play in MF for Liverpool so getting him up to speed is the goal there. Maybe it be will be switched around at some point but right now it fine

[terry_macss_perm]

Do we know if Stefan was injured today or just having his minutes managed?

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Do we know if Stefan was injured today or just having his minutes managed?

Guessing it's the latter due to him starting the next.

[SamLad]

Guessing it's the latter due to him starting the next.

yeah I think we're seeing essentially 2 squads forming up, with some overlap of course.

[newterp]

Fairly sure he will start Wednesday against Leicester

[Currywurst]

Do we know if Stefan was injured today or just having his minutes managed?
[/quote

Played the full match against LASK, his first game after ages out, so his time needs to be managed.

[PEG2K]

I think our bench is getting a bit crowded that he doesn't even have a spot. The only spot he could take is arguably Quansah's. When Trent's back, Gomez will take that spot and when Thiago's back, one of Endo/Tsimikas/Elliott will have to make way. Of course we won't have a 100% injury free squad but there must be at least 2-3 players injured for Baj to make the squad.
 

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Maybe for a couple of months but once he get back to full fitness, he will at minimum make the bench.

[Currywurst]

I think our bench is getting a bit crowded that he doesn't even have a spot. The only spot he could take is arguably Quansah's. When Trent's back, Gomez will take that spot and when Thiago's back, one of Endo/Tsimikas/Elliott will have to make way. Of course we won't have a 100% injury free squad but there must be at least 2-3 players injured for Baj to make the squad.

We do seem to have an embarrassment of riches on the bench. Elliott has done really well coming on in recent matches, but even he stayed on the bench.Ironic after the struggles we had at times last year, but a very welcome problem.

[stoopid yank]

Do we know if Stefan was injured today or just having his minutes managed?

In the Lask game, there was an instance of him chasing a ball carrier down the channel - he looked like he couldn't fully sprint and did a sort of hobbled run. Later he just tripped him for a yellow.  Imo he is still not 100% fit.

[gerrardisgod]

That little minute spell where he got back in along Ibou and got in a vital foot, then played one of the most glorious balls to Nunez.

Such a talent.

[duvva 💅]

That little minute spell where he got back in along Ibou and got in a vital foot, then played one of the most glorious balls to Nunez.

Such a talent.

Probably the only negative on the night was we didn’t see more of this kid

[SerbianScouser]

Probably the only negative on the night was we didn’t see more of this kid

Klopp intimated they'll be very careful with him. They seem spooked with how Bajcetic's body reacted to the run in the team he had last season.

Seems like they'll be using him only sporadically in the near future. It's probably for the best.

[Ycuzz]

Probably the only negative on the night was we didn’t see more of this kid

Yep, and

Klopp intimated they'll be very careful with him. They seem spooked with how Bajcetic's body reacted to the run in the team he had last season.

Seems like they'll be using him only sporadically in the near future. It's probably for the best.

yep.

That said. The little we saw of him.. Oo, there's a proper talent in there.

[Knight]

What a relief for his longer term prospects that we can afford to use him so sparingly. You could imagine another world where he played a lot more than would be ideal simply because we didn’t have any other option. But instead the midfield area is totally transformed. With any luck by this time next year he’ll be ready to take up a much more significant role at 6 and we’ll avoid needing to buy another midfielder.

[Draex]

Badger is ace!

[newterp]

That's not Baj....

[afc tukrish]

That's not Baj....

but it is a right little psycho who miscontrolled a pass, went mad at himself, and has a Candy Man death stare...

[Draex]

That's not Baj....

ffs I deleted it!

[StL-Dono]

I didn't like how in the final few minutes of the match he was sort of grabbing at his hamstring and seemed to be stepping a little lightly. 

Would really like to see him get into a fairly regular rotation as the 6 as I think he's the best one we have. 

[tubby]

Klopp confirmed after the game we're taking it easy with him on his way back to fitness.

[Boaty McBoatface]

Just wait till he gets his man-strength. He'll be hip tossing people left, right and centre.

[StL-Dono]

We desperately need him healthy as he's our best #6.  Any word on when he'll be ready?

Hopefully, with the next 4 matches, we can get by with Endo or some other mix and match set up.  But once we get back into a stretch of tough matches, he's got to be in there.  Baj, then Thiago (wishful thinking I know) then Endo rotation at the 6 would be good scenario for us.