More

Bajcetic already hitting the ground at Klopp's Liverpool

Young Bajcetic has earned Klopp's trust
Young Bajcetic has earned Klopp's trustAFP
Stefan Bajcetic was introduced for Liverpool in the final stretch of their Premier League match against Aston Villa, and he scored a goal to solidify the Reds' lead over Unai Emery's side.

Bajcetic, 18, represents Spain's U19 national team and now already has his first goal in the senior game. It arrived just moments after entering the field of play at Villa Park, in what was his seventh total appearance for Liverpool.

The teenager's name is now being talked about more in the mainstream, but he has been on the radar for academy experts for a while, representing Liverpool at U18, U21 and U23 levels.

Bajcetic's first senior goal is especially worth highlighting, given he's not a particularly attacking player. Of course, that doesn't mean the midfielder, who can also play as a central defender, doesn't typically offer much going forward - he scored in the UEFA Youth League last season and picked up an assist in both the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2.

He turned 18 just a few months ago and still has a lot of room to grow. His short-term goal at Liverpool is to continue performing for Jurgen Klopp when given chances, and further down the line secure a professional contract at Anfield. Another possibility, even if the latter occurs, would be to go out on loan. It's a path many youngsters take in football to get different experiences and more minutes.

Football runs in the family

His last name is recognisable because he is the son of Srdjan Bajcetic, who played 28 times for Celta Vigo in the Spanish top flight, scoring three goals along the way.

Before arriving in Spain, Bajcetic Snr started his career with Vojvodina and later went to Red Star. After a brief stint, he moves on the Braga in Portugal.

The former midfielder, who played matches in the UEFA Cup and Champions League returned to Belgrade, but didn't hang up his boots, as he would sign for Dalian Shide and then Hunan Shoking in China.

Bajcetic, unlike his youngest son, ended his career without playing in the English top flight. Stefan has an older brother, Jovan, who competes with the Ponteareas youth setup.