In a recent report, Goal.com’s Neil Jones provided an update on Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic’s future as he claimed that the Reds are prepared to sanction the Serbian’s departure, with Hertha Berlin in pole position to recruit him this summer. It has been stated that the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Werder Bremen were all interested in the Serbian talent last summer, while Atalanta, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are also believed to be candidates for his signature.
Grujic’s Impressive Rise In German Football
The Belgrad-born midfield ace had a productive two-year loan spell with Hertha Berlin where he established himself as an essential member of their first-team. He managed to net four goals and provide two assists in 31 matches for the German outfit in the previous campaign across all competitions.
Grujic deserves a pat on the back for his all-around contributions at the heart of the Hertha midfield after averaging 1.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 2.3 clearances, 1.2 shots and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga last season. However, his ball-distribution has some room for improvement as he ended up completing 78.7% of his attempted passes in the German top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The 24-year-old has gradually shown some signs of maturity during his two-year spell in Germany. He has now joined the Liverpool squad for their pre-season preparations in Austria where he will have a chance to prove his worth to Jurgen Klopp. Even if the eight-time Serbian international manages to impress the German head coach, there are no guarantees of him becoming a regular member of the Reds’ first-team next season. Hence, he might be leaning towards making a fresh start by permanently sealing a move away from Merseyside this summer.
What Does The Serbian International Offer On The Pitch?
Grujic is a decent multi-purpose midfielder as he can contribute by offering a bit of everything at the centre of the park. He is a strong presence in midfield and is proficient at getting stuck in with a few tackles that help him secure possession back for his side. The Serbian can sense the danger quickly and can sometimes come to his side’s rescue by pulling off some vital clearances at the back. He is a confident player who is not shy of having a pop at goal from long range and can even make himself useful with a few lung-bursting runs towards the opposition penalty area.
Should The Merseyside Giants Cash In On Grujic This Summer?
Grujic has the potential to succeed in English football in the future. However, for now, the Liverpool midfielder needs to ensure regular game time in the upcoming campaign so that he can continue making progress with each year. He has grown a lot as a footballer over the past two years, which indicates that he might have his best years ahead of him.
Therefore, Klopp should consider keeping him on his books for one more season, even if it means sending him out on loan again this summer, as Grujic has got what it takes to have an impressive career at the highest level.
