Liverpool’s “staggering” wonderkid, Stefan Bajcetic could become the new Trent under Slot. Stefan Bajcetic could seize Wataru Endo as Liverpool’s standout No. 6.
Liverpool have been treated to full of Jurgen Klopp‘s energy and enthusiasm over the past nine years. However, Klopp’s iconic Liverpool journey is now at its end. Liverpool played Wolves to end their Premier League campaign for the season. The emotions were high, tears were spilt and memories for a lifetime flooded throughout Anfield.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot will be preparing to jet to England as he succeeds Klopp in the Liverpool dugout. With recently, confirming the open secret that he’ll be the Reds’ head coach next season. Slot has big boots to fill in for Klopp. However, he’ll guide a team of players brimming with quality and solidified talent at his feet.
Succeeding Klopp would be an inevitable task. However, Slot has the style to captivate the Reds, especially if he makes good use of the teenage players at his disposal.
Arne Slot could find his own Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rise to prominence at Liverpool is related with Klopp’s trophy-winning success. Gary Neville even remade that Trent “has the material to be the very best right-back of all time”.
Playing under Klopp’s guidance is all Trent has ever known. Trent made his debut aged 18. Since then, he’s completed 310 appearances, scored 19 goals and provided 81 assists. Trent is one of the best in football. He’s ranked among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for goals. Also, the top 3% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions. Moreover, the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
The bond between Klopp and Alexander-Arnold strengthened Klopp’s connection with Liverpool. Now, Slot needs to ensure that he does the same, and he could find his very own prodigy in the Reds’ Stefan Bajcetic.
Stefan Bajcetic could thrive under Slot
Stefan Bajcetic entered the club with a bang last season. Bajcetic got promoted to the first team in the Premier League as Klopp fought to stop the rot that had ruined Liverpool’s 2022/23 campaign.
Bajcetic featured 11 times in the league. He scored an impressive goal against Aston Villa to confirm a much-needed victory in December. Moreover, showcasing his energy and enthusiasm, he’s succeeding with 64% of his dribbles.
“Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing.” – said Writer Leanne Prescott.
Wataru Endo has done an impressive job at the base of Liverpool’s midfield after a surprise move to Anfield last summer. However, one analyst projected that “he would struggle” away from Klopp’s system. Also, Slot might find that his style of football thrives with Stefan Bajcetic featuring as the No. 6.
Endo has completed 28 Premier League matches this season. He’s started 19 times and completed 88% of his passes. Endo offered an industrious and committed presence in the middle of the pitch. He’s also only averaging 1.6 tackles per game, winning just 45% of his contested duels.
This stat speaks of Endo’s weakness in mobility and athleticism. Although, these are two things that Bajcetic boasts in abundance. Stefan Bajcetic is also blessed with elite composure, maintaining his cool in chaotic circumstances. However, he’s also fuelled with healthy life, covering so much ground and completing defensive actions across the pitch.
The 19-year-old’s has only just scratched the surface of what could be a wonderful career at the height of the European game. Moreover, his incoming Dutch manager will surely fall for this exceptional talent. Indeed, Slot enjoys aggressive, front-footed football that bears an approximation to Klopp’s style. Although, there’s an emphasis on midfield control that isn’t found in Klopp’s system.
Liverpool’s best player in recent times
Stefan Bajcetic has already demonstrated his powers of control and influence in age-belying style. Although, injuries and setbacks have limited him to only three senior appearances in 2023/24, he appears to have reached the potential after playing 25 minutes off the bench in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Tottenham.
Bajcetic must now use the summer break to prove himself to Slot. With Bajcetic, impressing in pre-season and suggesting that he deserves a regular place in his senior squad.
“He already has the squad on his side. “Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.” – said Mohamed Salah.
Alexander-Arnold‘s link to Klopp won over a proud footballing city. However, now Slot must ensure that he finds his own version of Trent to prove his suitability with the seat at the head of the table.
As Featured on ManUNews
As featured on WalkOn.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
