In a recent interview with The Kicker, Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic’s agent Fali Ramadani provided an update on the player’s future when he said, “Liverpool want to keep Marko. That could change in January at the earliest.”
Grujic’s Productive Loan Spell In German Football
It seems like Ramadani expects his client to stay put at Anfield for the time being following his impressive two-year loan spell with Hertha Berlin last season when he produced a string of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park.
Grujic appeared in 31 matches for the Berlin outfit in the previous campaign, netting four goals and grabbing two assists across all fronts. The Belgrad-born midfield ace did well to average 1.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 2.3 clearances, 1.2 shots and 1.0 dribbles per game in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. He was also relatively tidy with his ball-distribution after making 78.7% of his attempted passes in the German first division (stats via whoscored).
The 24-year-old has taken great strides towards becoming a better player than he was a few years ago when he arrived at Liverpool. However, it remains to be seen whether he is good enough to fill in as a squad player under the watchful eyes of Klopp this season.
What Does The Serbian International Offer On The Pitch?
Grujic is a well-rounded midfielder who can use his composure and ball-control to pull off some driving runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty area. He is not shy of striking the ball with power if given time and space by the opposition to shoot from long range.
The Serbian talent can even use his strength to shrug off the opposition and win a few 50-50 midfield duels. He can also position himself ideally to clear his lines when the opponent are looking to threaten on the counter. The former Red Star Belgrade player is an accurate passer but needs to be more creative when interchanging possession in the offensive end of the field.
Should The Reds Retain His Services For This Campaign?
At the moment, Liverpool could have a place available for Grujic as they are yet to replace Adam Lallana, who left on a free transfer to join Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this year. Unless Klopp can bring in another midfielder this summer, it makes sense for the Merseyside giants to put their faith on the eight-time Serbian international this season.
Grujic has shown some promising signs during his loan stay at Berlin which should at least warrant him a spot in Klopp’s match-day squad for this new Premier League campaign. Even if the Serbian becomes a subject of limited game time in top-flight football, he could still help the reigning English champions challenge for the domestic cups during this campaign. All in all, Klopp should keep him at Anfield for the time being before deciding on his future next summer.
