Phillips Tips Liverpool Midfielder To Seal A Permanent Move Away From Anfield: Should Klopp Let Him Go?

By
Abhinab Ghosh
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In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League forward Kevin Phillips tipped Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, who is currently playing on loan at Hertha Berlin, to seal a permanent switch away from Merseyside when he said,

“Where Liverpool are at the moment with this crop of players you would have to suggest it is one where he stays in Germany or goes somewhere else.

“Somebody in the Premier League may take a gamble on him, but it has just not worked out for him.

“It would be great to see him come back and perform, but I do not see it happening.

“In the background, I imagine they will be looking to do a deal. The kid might be happy at Hertha Berlin, and he may end up staying there.”

Grujic’s Productive Loan Spell In Germany

Grujic has enjoyed a fruitful loan spell in the Bundesliga so far and has been responsible for putting in some impressive displays at the heart of Bruno Labbadia’s midfield. He has established himself as a regular feature in the Hertha’s starting XI and has won over the club’s fans through his industrious performances at the centre of the park.
The ex-Red Star Belgrade talent has made a total of 45 appearances for the German outfit since joining them on loan in the summer of 2018. During his loan stay, he has registered eight goals and three assists in all competitions. Grujic’s stats show that he has started contributing in the attacking third of the field but is still far from a finished product.
The Belgrad-born midfield ace has averaged 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 2.3 clearances, 1.4 shots, 0.4 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season which goes to prove that he has been a multi-purpose asset in the Hertha midfield (via whoscored). Grujic can do a bit of everything while operating as a box to box midfielder which might be appealing to the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as he wants his players to work hard at both ends of the field.
Marko Grujic of Berlin looks on during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and VfL Wolfsburg at Olympiastadion on August 25, 2019, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Kern/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old has also earned eight senior caps for the Serbian national side but is still waiting to score his first goal for his country. He will be expected to play a vital role for his nation in the UEFA European Championship qualifier against Norway which has been postponed indefinitely due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

What Does The Serbian International Bring To The Table?

Grujic has transformed himself into an all-around midfielder during his loan spell at Berlin. He has caught the eye for his hard-working performances in midfield and can use his strength to make some powerful runs with the ball in the opposition half. The Serbian sensation is also not shy about making a few tackles and can position himself well to pull off some last-ditch clearances at the back. He can sometimes lack pace at the middle of the park but makes up for it by being composed and tidy on the ball after completing 78.9% of his attempted passes in the German top-flight this season (stats via whoscored).

Should Klopp Sanction Grujic’s Permanent Departure This Summer?

The Reds are spoilt for choices in their midfield department with the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner all set to battle for a regular starting berth at Anfield next season. Plus, the Merseyside giants have also got Curtis Jones coming up from their Under-23 side, and Harry Wilson is set to return from his impressive loan spell at Bournemouth later this year.

Therefore, Klopp has no room for Grujic at the moment unless he decides to sell some of his current midfield options during the summer transfer window which is unlikely considering how well they have collectively performed so far this season. With all things considered, the German head coach should cash in on Grujic in this off-season as it is only fair to the player. The Serbian should be allowed to continue his rapid development at a club where he will be guaranteed regular playing time in the years to come.

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