OPINION
It is no secret that those out on loan at any club are there either to develop their skills or to get them off the wage bill.
At Liverpool, it seems Marko Grujic falls into the former category.
The 23-year-old midfielder has not been seen too often by the Anfield faithful since his move back in 2016, with just 14 appearances for the Reds’ first team.
A bunch of temporary spells away from Merseyside, which has seen him travel to back to Red Star Belgrade, then to Cardiff and eventually to Hertha Berlin, means Jurgen Klopp has not really had much of a chance to see what he can offer his side, although with so many quality midfielders on his books it perhaps comes as no surprise he has not been afforded an opportunity.
With another loan at Herta set in stone for next season, questions will be asked whether he will ever make it at Liverpool and according to Kicker, as relayed by journalist Manuel Veth, the Bundesliga outfit are keen on making him a permanent addition next summer.
Hertha want to buy #LFC's Marko Gruji? next summer. The new loan deal has now buyon clause but with the club hopes to negotiate a deal with Liverpool next summer should there be no space for the Serbian in Liverpool's midfield (kicker).
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) July 3, 2019
It is said that the German side will look to pounce if Klopp feels there is no room for Grujic but looking at his performances on loan, he has a case to be included sooner rather than later.
Using WhoScored’s statistics to compare him to his teammates, and ultimately his rivals for a first-team spot at Anfield, you would say Grujic’s time in Germany has helped him to become a well-rounded midfielder, performing highly in both offensive and defensive aspects.
Looking at his contribution to defending, he comes out on top compared to Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita, with more tackles, interceptions and clearances on average per game.
While some might argue that is why Fabinho is in the side, it would not harm Liverpool to have another capable enforcer in the middle, especially one who stands at 6’3″ tall [Transfermarkt].
If you thought Grujic’s defensive contributions would impact his efficiency up front, you would be wrong.
With more goals, shots per game and successful dribbles, not to mention less unsuccessful touches and times dispossessed than either Wijnaldum or Keita, than the others, Grujic has established himself as a box-to-box midfielder who can make an impact at either end of the pitch.
The one area Grujic does need to improve is his passing, with his accuracy some way off what Klopp is seeing from his current options.
Improve on that and the Serbian ace certainly has a claim to be kept on board, rather than offloaded to Hertha or elsewhere, next summer.
