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Liverpool Should Treat Stefan Bajcetic as a Luxury This Season

Ever think there’s a risk someone maybe getting carried away. Liverpool’s young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has shown flashes of brilliance, but it’s clear that this season, the club should approach his development with caution and treat him as a luxury rather than a necessity.

Bajcetic, only 19, has faced significant injury setbacks, and there are still many questions about his role in the team under new Dutch coach Arne Slot. With the weight of expectations, it’s crucial to manage his integration into the first team carefully.

Bajcetic’s Injury Struggles and Limited Game Time

Bajcetic’s journey has been marred by injuries that have hindered his progress. He missed the entire last season, and even during the 2022/23 campaign, his contributions were limited.

According to his stats from the 2022/23 season, Bajcetic featured in 11 Premier League games, clocking up 529 minutes, but his involvement was sporadic. In the Premier League 2, he played five matches, contributing significantly more minutes, and his presence was also felt in other competitions like the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, albeit briefly.

These stats highlight that while he has had moments of participation, he hasn’t consistently been on the field to establish himself as a regular first-team player. The fact that he hasn’t completed a full Premier League season yet underscores the importance of managing his workload and expectations.

John Barnes on Bajcetic’s Potential

Liverpool legend John Barnes has been vocal about Bajcetic’s potential. In a recent interview, Barnes commented, “He’s an out-and-out number six.

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.”

Barnes’s endorsement suggests that Bajcetic has the attributes to become a key player for Liverpool. However, it’s also a reminder that developing into a top defensive midfielder like Rodri requires time and patience and he’s a million miles from that just now.

Barnes’s comparison to Rodri, one of the world’s premier midfielders, sets a high benchmark for Bajcetic, indicating the potential that experts see in him.

No Rush: Managing Expectations for Bajcetic

Given his age and injury history, it’s essential that Liverpool doesn’t rush Bajcetic into the pressure-cooker environment of being a regular first-team starter. His development should be carefully managed to avoid further injuries and ensure he can reach his full potential without undue stress.

Arne Slot’s perspective on Bajcetic is also an unknown factor. The new coach’s plans and how he sees Bajcetic fitting into the team will play a crucial role in his development. Slot might opt to use him sparingly to protect him from the rigours of the Premier League, gradually building up his minutes as the season progresses.

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Luxury, Not Necessity

Liverpool’s depth in midfield allows them to treat Bajcetic as a luxury rather than a necessity this season. The club has other options to rely on, ensuring that Bajcetic can be eased into action without the burden of being a regular starter.

This approach will help in preserving his fitness and allowing him to adapt to the demands of top-flight football progressively. Liverpool should focus on nurturing Stefan Bajcetic’s talent without overwhelming him with expectations. By managing his minutes and treating him as a luxury, the club can ensure his long-term development and possibly see him evolve into a key player, much like John Barnes and others believe he can be.

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