Klopp drops Bajcetic selection hint as Liverpool prepare to face Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that he may hand Stefan Bajcetic a second consecutive Liverpool start when the Reds take on Chelsea on Saturday.

Liverpool's midfield has been a weakness of the side's performances this season, due to a mixture of injury issues and poor form when compared to previous campaigns.

Klopp has tried various combinations in midfield, and handed 18-year-old Bajcetic his third senior start for the Reds' FA Cup third round replay against Wolves on Tuesday.

The Spanish youth international put in a strong performance in midfield in the 1-0 victory, another landmark in what has been a breakthrough season for the starlet.

He scored his first Liverpool goal with his first touch of the game off the bench in the 3-1 Boxing Day win at Aston Villa, and has played more of a prominent role since the World Cup when available.

Bajcetic was praised by BBC commentator Alan Shearer for his Wolves display, with the Newcastle legend stating (quotes via Rousing the Kop): "It was a very mature performance in there.

"Had a little bit of everything; he had to put his foot in at times, read the game very well, protected the back four very well. And the occasion Liverpool did attack, a lot of it was his passing. So yeah, he can be very proud of his performance."

After the game, Klopp described Bajcetic as having played 'really well', particularly with his work in the tackle.

And the Reds boss may have seen enough to start him against Chelsea.

Klopp on Bajcetic selection

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture at Anfield, which kicks off at 12:30pm today, Klopp was asked about whether Bajcetic was getting closer to starting a Premier League game for the first time.

He replied: "Yes. He was always. He's been injured for two games. You cannot be closer to a team than always being in the squad, coming on, stuff like this."

When asked if he needed to be careful over how much gametime he gives to the Spaniard, he responded: "It doesn't look like we have to careful, no."

Reds fans will hope that, if selected, Bajcetic can produce a display similar to how he played at Wolves and help his side to a vital Premier League victory after two straight defeats.

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.