Arne Slot has been justified in his decisions over one or two Liverpool youngsters this summer.
The Dutchman had been expected to follow Jurgen Klopp’s lead in giving hot prospects a chance in the Reds’ first-team.
However, four months into the season and Slot has not dipped into the Liverpool academy at all.
The likes of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have been involved, and Trey Nyoni has had a sniff, but otherwise the new Liverpool head coach has trusted his senior players.
While that is fair enough, it does mean that some of the youngsters on the fringes of the Liverpool squad have had to go out on-loan in search of minutes.
One of those has been Stefan Bajcetic, who sent a reminder about his potential with a stunning bit of skill for RB Salzburg this weekend.
Stefan Bajcetic of FC Salzburg (L) and Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Ph...
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Stefan Bajcetic looking good at RB Salzburg
While we think Slot has been proven right about Bajcetic, not every Liverpool supporter would agree.
The 20-year-old has immense potential and there are hopes that he could even end up being the Reds’ long-term answer as a No.6.
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Klopp thought Bajcetic was ‘incredible‘ and had it not been for injury, he may have already been a part of Liverpool’s best XI when Slot came through the door at Anfield.
Instead, continual fitness problems meant the Dutch coach felt it best that Bajcetic link back up with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders at Salzburg.
READ MORE: Manager says he’s asked Liverpool to extend ‘excellent’ player’s loan spell
And although Lijnders has had a mixed time of things in Austria so far, Bajcetic has at least been back getting regular game time.
The latest of his 16 appearances this term came on Saturday, when Salzburg faced Rapid Vienna.
Sharing a clip from the 2-2 draw on Monday, the Red Bull club’s X account showed Bajcetic executing a perfect drag-back and backheel flick straight into the path of teammate Moussa Yeo.
Liverpool can’t forget about Bajcetic
Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi was a big source of frustration for supporters last summer.
However, the 25-year-old’s decision to remain at Real Sociedad was potentially good news for Bajcetic.
Bajcetic had been offered in exchange for Zubimendi, with the Spanish youngster slated to go back to his home country on-loan.
Minutes Played Successful Passes Accurate Long Balls Successful Dribbles Tackles Won Duels Won
Stefan Bajcetic 173 58.79 3.12 1.56 0.52 5.20
Martin Zubimendi 360 56 3.75 0.5 1.50 5.50
Bajcetic Champions League vs Zubimendi Europa League 24/25 per 90 mins
Although that might have ended up being a good move for Stefan, the arrival of an older – and better – player in his position would obviously have impacted on his future at Liverpool.
As it is, with Liverpool likely to remain quiet in January as well, Bajcetic still has the chance to mark himself out as the future for Slot’s team.
Moments like this will go a long way to reminding Liverpool what a talent they have. Keep it up, Stefan!
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