Arne Slot has received some advice from Reds hero John Barnes concerning Liverpool whizzkid Stefan Bajcetic . The prodigy, he says, could well be molded into the new Rodri .
Work was cut short for the young Spaniard in 2023, halted by injuries. Yet Bajcetic stood out as one of the most promising talents nurtured by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and is slated to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City's midfield juggernaut.
With a cabinet boasting Euro 2024 gold, four Premier League crowns, and a decisive goal clinching Champions League glory in the 2023 final, Rodri has certainly set a benchmark for global midfield dynamism. But according to Liverpool legend Barnes, patience with Bajcetic under his Dutch tactician may yield Liverpool's next icon, emulating what Rodri achieves over at the Etihad Stadium.
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"He's an out-and-out number six," remarked Barnes during a chat with Betting Expert . "Everyone is now raving about Rodri. I've been talking about the importance of a good defensive midfielder for a long time and how vital they are to the team. Now everybody is talking about how important they are."
He added, reflecting on Bajcetic's capacity: "We saw how good he was when he filled in for Fabinho . We've brought [Wataru] Endo in and he's done well but I think Bajcetic is an upgrade on Endo in terms of what he does on the ball so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does and I'm hoping that he can stay fit. That role is earmarked for him."
Bajcetic was on the brink of signing for Manchester United , but Liverpool swooped in and secured his services from Celta Vigo. Barnes believes that Bajcetic's role is crucial in today's game and he could be the ideal long-term solution for the number six position at Anfield. The need for a new defensive midfielder has been a hot topic at Liverpool this summer.
Endo has attracted a £12m bid from Marseille, while Bologna's Morten Frendrup has also been linked with a move to Liverpool. However, Barnes feels that Bajcetic is ready to step up and fill the void in the starting line-up. Given that his contract runs until 2027, it seems likely that Liverpool has a long-term plan for the 19-year-old.
Liverpool.com says: While Liverpool will need to be careful with Bajcetic after he spent such a long time out injured, there is no doubt that he is hugely talented. Once he gets back to his best again, his ceiling is enormous. The most exciting thing, of course, is that he is still only 19 and therefore still has so much more improving left to do.
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