Since taking over the manager’s role at Liverpool back in 2015, Jurgen Klopp has added a number of star players to the squad at Anfield. In two summer transfer windows before the current one, Klopp has spent big on a number of exciting names and has broken the transfer record at the club on more than a couple of occasions.
But his first permanent signing at the club, Serbian international Marko Grujic, has continued to struggle for regular playing time at Anfield. The 22-year old is yet to make a first-team start but has five league appearances from the bench for Liverpool. He was frustrated last season and was sent out on loan to the Championship with Cardiff City, where he became an instant hit.
Since January, he made 12 Championship starts and put in some consistent performances, to help Cardiff City back to the top flight after a long break. Neil Warnock used the Liverpool man at the heart of the midfield in a 4-3-3 system, as he managed to push the likes of Aron Gunnarsson and Joe Ralls, slowly out of the team.
He was one of the most effective midfielders in the second tier in England, even though he only joined the league half-way through the season. With 1.8 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game, Grujic was statistically right up there with the best in the Championship last season. He only spent four months at the club, but turned into a fan favourite, getting a song on his name in the process.
A strong and athletic midfielder with an aggressive and dominating approach to the game, Grujic loves bullying opponents, which can be quite effective, as he showed in the games against Birmingham and Bolton last season. He does give away needless fouls but at just 23, he will learn to adapt to the needs and surely has a bright future.
He is wanted by the likes of AC Milan and Lazio while Liverpool would be tempted to add some depth to their side with Grujic but reports now suggest that he is now closing in on a return to Cardiff City on loan this month.
Read More: Newcastle United Offered The Chance To Sign This Liverpool Forward For £15m: What Should Benitez Do?
The Bluebirds have managed to break into the top flight this season and will compete with the best in the country. So Grujic, if he can keep his discipline, will be a good addition to Neil Warnock’s side. So it is a no-brainer for Liverpool to send him out on loan, yet again, to a club that brought the best out of him last season.
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
