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Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool teenager Stefan Bajcetic for being an ‘absolute joy’ to coach… as Reds boss reveals Thiago Alcantara has taken the rising star ‘under his wing’ at Anfield
- Stefan Bajcetic has worked his way into Liverpool’s starting eleven in recent weeks
- He looks like an exciting talent, and Jurgen Klopp has called him an ‘absolute joy’
- Klopp has also spoken about how Thiago Alcantara is advising the midfielder
Jurgen Klopp has called Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic an “absolute joy” to coach following the youngster’s impressive rise to the first team.
Bajcetic turned 18 in October but has worked his way into Liverpool’s starting XI in recent weeks and has been a rare bright spark in what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign for the Reds so far.
He scored his first Premier League goal on Boxing Day against Aston Villa and has started each of Liverpool’s last three top-flight games. Klopp has praised the teenager for his performances in a struggling team.
‘A top player. It is a pleasure to work with him. An absolute joy,” Klopp said of Bajcetic on Friday.
Liverpool have plenty of experienced midfielders in their ranks, with Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and James Milner all at Klopp’s disposal.
Stefan Bajcetic has made a huge impact since joining Liverpool’s starting line-up.
Jurgen Klopp has called Bajcetic ‘an absolute joy’ to manage and is excited about his future
Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara has taken Bajcetic ‘under his wing’
Bajcetic has made an impact since he was given his chance, but he is still keen to learn from those around him, and Klopp has revealed that one player in particular has caught the attention of the Spanish star.
Bajcetic’s father Srdan and Thiago’s father Mazinho played together briefly for Celta Vigo in the 1990s, and their sons are now together at Anfield.
Klopp has claimed that Thiago has taken Bajcetic ‘under his wing’ to help him settle into the first team.
‘The mix of Serbia and Spain is good for their football. He is a smart boy. Interesting that his father and Thiago’s father played together. Thiago took it under his protection,” Klopp added.
Bajcetic was voted for Liverpool’s Player of the Month for January by the supporters, and it looks set to start when the team take on Newcastle at St James’ Park later today.
Liverpool can move within six points of the Magpies while still having a game to go with a win.