John Barnes names Liverpool midfielder who can be Reds' answer to Rodri

John Barnes believes that Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic can be their version of Rodri now that he is back from a long-term injury.

Bajcetic burst onto the scene for Liverpool back in the 2022/23 season when the Reds were going through a tough period of form around Christmas time.

He was thrown into the midfield in the hope that he could help turn things around at the time and his impressive showings meant that Jurgen Klopp started him in three successive games at the turn of the year.

Overall during that season, Bajcetic played 21 games which led to him even winning Liverpool’s Player of the Month in February emphasising just how good he was.

BAJCETIC IS AN UPGRADE ON ENDO

Legendary Liverpool figure John Barnes has had his say on Bajcetic’s future at Anfield amid the links for midfield players.

Speaking to bettingexpert.com he said: “He’s an out and out number six. Everyone is now raving about Rodri and 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.”

Even though Bajcetic has limited senior experience Barnes believes he is the best option for the present under Arne Slot.

“We saw how good he was when he filled in for Fabinho.

“We’ve brought Endo in and he’s done well but I think Bajcetic is an upgrade on Endo in terms of what he does on the ball so I’m looking forward to seeing how he does and I’m hoping that he can stay fit.

"That role is earmarked for him,” said the former England international.

The 19-year-old was unable to make an impact in Klopp’s last season at the club but after a torrid 18-month period of injuries for the Spaniard, he is back fully fit.

In the USA pre-season squad, Bajcetic is arguably the player that fans are most excited to see due to just how good he could be in years to come.