Stefan Bajcetic – Liverpool’s Forgotten Midfield Puzzle
In a data-rich discussion on Transfer Market Metrics, Phil Barter and Dave Davis explored Liverpool’s summer conundrum through the lens of three midfield profiles – and among them, the returning Stefan Bajcetic stood out for all the right, and wrong, reasons. The episode, available via Anfield Index, examined Bajcetic’s statistical resurgence and posed a central question: can he re-establish himself at Liverpool?
Defensive Strength, But Room to Grow
After a disrupted 2024/25 campaign – first with injury, then a failed loan at Red Bull Salzburg – Bajcetic has resurfaced at Las Palmas, where he’s now clocked approximately 1,200 minutes. The buzz has returned, largely because of two standout performances against Atletico Madrid and Getafe. But as Barter put it, “we’re talking about a player two years removed from that Real Madrid display… that’s not great for a kid in terms of development.”
Yet, the defensive metrics tell an encouraging story. “Tackles, 87th percentile. Interceptions, 76. Blocks, 99th. That’s the stuff we want our midfielder to do,” said Barter. Indeed, Bajcetic profiles well in duels and defensive actions, suggesting he could be moulded into a ball-winner in Liverpool’s midfield.
He’s also tall, rangy, and physically not far off Ryan Gravenberch – a potentially useful trait in Arne Slot’s system, which requires defensive robustness in the engine room.
Passing Limitations and the Liverpool Standard
Where things unravel is with the ball. Bajcetic’s passing output is well below par for a Liverpool midfielder. As Barter bluntly observed: “Pass completion in the eighth percentile for a midfielder. You might say, ‘but it’s 74%’ – the standard for us is 85.”
The pass volume also lags behind. He’s averaging just under 47 passes a game, well below players in similar roles. “Compare him to someone like Endo or Gravenberch, and it’s clear – three-quarters of the wagon wheel, Grab is a better player,” Barter added.
This is crucial, because under Slot, control and build-up matter. Bajcetic’s current role at Las Palmas is predominantly defensive – “not being asked to go and do anything in the attacking box,” – which hinders any chance of showcasing progressive traits required at Anfield.
More Endo Than Gravenberch?
The clearest comparison may be to Wataru Endo. “Defensively, yes, he’s an Endo-type,” said Barter. “The problem is, we know the limitations of Endo on the ball – and Bajcetic, by the stats, is even more limited.”
If Endo is sold this summer, Bajcetic could logically fill that slot in the squad. But as Barter pointed out, “That might make business sense – but for the player? I don’t think it’s right.”
The overarching view is consistent: Bajcetic needs minutes. “He’s at a big crossroads,” Barter concluded. “Coming back to be a close-up for Liverpool? It’s not the best move. He needs to go and play.”
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
This isn’t a story of dismissal – it’s a reminder of the razor-thin margins at elite level. Stefan Bajcetic remains a highly talented, homegrown player, but development has stalled. His defensive capabilities are genuine, but Liverpool’s midfield demands more than tackling and interceptions. It requires tempo, control, and clarity in transition – areas where Bajcetic is currently behind the curve.
Another season on loan – ideally in a side with higher ball retention and a clearly defined midfield role – could be exactly what he needs to bridge the gap. Keeping him around as Endo’s understudy may serve the balance sheet, but it risks stunting a career that once promised so much.
Until he evolves into a complete midfielder, Stefan Bajcetic remains a project – not a solution.
