Stefan Bajcetic discusses preferred position

Stefan Bajcetic has joked that he would play as a striker for Liverpool if asked, as he discussed his positional flexibility.

The 18-year-old midfielder is one of Liverpool's hottest prospects, having broken into the first-team during the 2022/23 season.

The Spaniard was a bright spark in a generally dismal campaign for the Reds, and drew praise for his performances across 19 first-team appearances, which included a first senior goal in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa back in December.

An abductor injury sadly cut the youngster's season short, while he also missed Liverpool's pre-season. He has, however, since returned to Liverpool's matchday squads, though has yet to play his first minutes of 2023/24.

Following Liverpool's much-discussed midfield rebuild this summer, there is some debate about how and where Bajcetic will be used this season – whether as a 'number six' or in a more advanced role.

Speaking to Liverpool's official matchday programme, the former Celta Vigo starlet suggested that versatility could be key to his game time.

"At a club like Liverpool you need to always fight for your position," Bajcetic said. "It is never guaranteed.

"Anyone can play in any position, but I know that if I do my job and I push as hard as I can, I will have more chances to play and maybe not just at six. I played left midfield a little bit last season and I just adapt to what the coach says.

"I'm happy to play anywhere. If the coach put me at striker I'd do it."

Bajcetic is used to switching roles. Arriving at Liverpool in 2021, the youngster was originally used as a centre back in the academy, before moving forward into a deep-lying midfield role.

"I wasn't an offensive centre-back obviously, but my main thing when I was playing there was bringing the ball out from the back," he said.

"The coaches at the Academy saw something and have done a great job with me to put me in at six.

"They helped me a lot to adapt to the position."