Liverpool ace who hasn't played in 508 days could now get another chance in Arne Slot's team - opinion
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Liverpool have had a spanner thrown in the works following Giovanni Leoni’s injury against Southampton.
It was an almost perfect debut for Leoni, who was impressing the Anfield crowd with his strength and size at the back before a collision on the sidelines led to an ACL injury.
The Italian’s injury was a nasty blow to him so early in his career, given it was his first chance to shine for the club as well.
It has also provided Arne Slot a problem in the backline.
While he does have three centre-backs in the squad, he is left without a fourth choice, and considering the injury record of Joe Gomez, it does pose an issue if one or more of his first-choice centre-backs are injured in the next few months.
There are some options that can fill the void, even if they are not in the exact position, such as Wataru Endo, but a returning youngster should be given his chance for game time, given the injury to the Italian.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Stefan Bajcetic has not played a game for Liverpool since 5 May last year, a whole 508 days of not being in the team.
This was due in part to his loans at RB Salzburg and Las Palmas, but also because he had an operation on his hamstring in May.
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But the news of the injury to the 18-year-old centre-half prospect should mean that once Bajcetic is at full fitness, he deserves to have a place somewhere in this team with an opportunity at the back, a good option.
It is unlikely that he will be a starter any time soon, given that his natural position is currently filled by Ryan Gravenberch, who has been incredible once again for the side, but League Cup and FA Cup matches to begin with could help integrate him back into contention.
Fans have already seen what he offers when he broke through under Jurgen Klopp when he was 18; his defensive awareness, energy and confidence on the ball made him a prospect to look out for.
It would not be out of the question for him to appear more regularly again when he can work out his injury problems.
As a makeshift centre-back, it may seem out of the question, but it can easily be explored.
Even if Endo is more likely to take that fourth choice spot, he can easily be a solid backup to Gravenberch when he needs the rest.
The Carabao Cup is the best place to start for the young ace, and the next game on 28 October against Crystal Palace could see him make a cameo, depending on Saturday’s result.
If Slot’s side performs well, it could mean fielding a weaker team for that game, increasing his odds of playing, but a poor performance against Palace would severely weaken his chances.
However, with the number of important matches around that time, including the Aston Villa and Real Madrid games, rotation will be a necessity, and he definitely has his part to play in it.
It would be a shame if the Dutch coach never gave him the opportunity that was afforded to him under Klopp, considering he always put in a brilliant shift when called upon.
All that matters is his recovery, and once he is ready to appear for the Reds, there is no doubt he will perform to the best of his abilities and prove why he deserves to be in the team.