Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes there is only one part of Marko Grujic’s game that is holding him back from becoming an outstanding player.
The Serbian made his full competitive debut for the Reds against Derby County last night in a performance which the Reds boss described as “wonderful” but the German says the 20 year old will need to improve the defensive side of his game if he is to become a first team regular at Anfield. He is quoted by the club’s official website as saying:
“Marko had a wonderful debut – really good. He is a wonderfully skilled player. If the defensive skills had the same quality as the offensive skills then he is an outstanding player, but we are working on it and he is working on it.”
The Serbian international excited many fans with his excellent preseason displays capped off by a memorable goal against Barcelona at Wembley in a 4-0 victory. The midfielder is likely to spend most of this season on the bench for league matches with the midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana currently favoured as starters by Klopp with Emre Can and Lucas Leiva also competing to start. For now, Grujic will have to be satisfied with starts in the cup competitions but it may not be long before he is a first team regular going by Klopp’s comments.
