Stefan Bajcetic has picked out two Liverpool midfield stars for playing a big role in his development after signing a new long-term contract at Anfield.
The 18-year-old made his first-team debut at the start of the season, but made the headlines back in December when he climbed off the bench to score his first career goal in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
That goal made him the third youngest player to score for Liverpool in the Premier League, behind only Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling. He also became the second youngest Spanish player behind Cesc Fabregas score in the English top flight.
The midfield wonderkid has clearly already earned Jurgen Klopp’s trust after being handed starts in recent clashes with Manchester City and Chelsea.
And now the teenager has been fully rewarded for his fine form by signing a four-and-a-half year deal with the club.
Indeed, his rapid rise could end up saving the club millions as they aim to revamp Klopp’s midfield over the next two windows.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and also Wolves star Matheus Nunes have been continually linked with Liverpool. However, if Bajcetic continues at his current rate of development, it could mean the Reds only need to sign one new midfielder instead of two.
And talking about his targets, after penning his new deal, Bajcetic told the club’s official website: “My target is to be a regular here at Liverpool and keep winning trophies with this club and achieving things collectively basically.
“It’s crazy. A year ago I was playing U18s football. And now I’ve started some games, made my debut and even scored a goal. That was something I never expected to happen this year.
“It’s amazing to see how fast it went. But I keep working hard and hopefully [there are] more things to come. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of. Thankfully I got it.”
Liverpool duo play big role in Bajcetic progress
Bajcetic also shares a connection to one of the club’s older midfielders, having come through the same academy as Thiago.
Indeed, the duo’s fathers even played together while they were at Celta Vigo in 1990s.
He added: “It’s a crazy story because we played in the same very, very little academy back in Vigo, the city where I was born,’ the young star said.
“When I told him [Thiago] I played in this academy, he was like, “Wow!”. It’s unbelievable, this story. I think my dad hasn’t talked with his dad. But it’s crazy to think about how small that town was and look at where we are now.’
Meanwhile, Bajcetic also named any Reds star, when asked if Thiago helps him out in training: “Yeah, not only Thiago but Millie [Milner] as well helps me a lot.
“He’s like a coach inside the changing room. And he always gives me some tips and tries to help me all the time. That’s very helpful for me.
“They were all very good with me, always encouraging me. I settled very well in the changing room, I think.
“All the young ones as well try to talk to me and the Spanish-talking people always try to help me. That was very important for me and gave me massive confidence.”
Liverpool are back in action on Sunday when they head to Brighton in the FA Cup