Although Stefan Bajcetic was deployed at right-back after returning from injury, Liverpool coaches do not see him as a long-term option for that role.
Bajceticmade his first appearance for Liverpool since March, when he started for LASK in the Europa League, replacing Joe Gomez at right-back.
The teenager took on the hybrid role suited to Trent Alexander-Arnold and played 61 minutes while recovering from a long-term groin injury.
He is expected to start in the same position when Leicester visit Anfield in the League Cup on Wednesday night, but with that clash in mind, assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has stressed his future lies in midfield.
With all the games it’s not easy, there aren’t many who can play in this position like Trent,” Lijnders explained. “It’s really difficult. That’s why I gave Joe Gomez a big compliment.
Stefan is that player who, from a coach’s point of view, played on all six last year and was just exciting, right? “Because he passes and dictates the game differently than Alexis or the other midfielders we had.
He’s a real talent, so you want to see him in the middle of the field. “So it wouldn’t make sense to just play him as a right back and use him as a right back like in the past or whatever.”
Alexander-Arnold has returned to training after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury, but will not be considered for selection in midweek.
That leaves Jurgen Klopp with the decision to restart Joe Gomez or revert to Bajcetic at right-back, with the latter likely to guarantee him valuable game time.
It’snot easy to find the right player if Joe or Trent can’t play,” Lijnders continued.
But we also have to find solutions, because Stefan is coming back from a long injury, so it’s not possible for him to play consistently.
“In that situation, we need to find solutions.”
“It’s good that Trent is training – he was on the pitch yesterday – and that Joe is performing well.”
“And while it was nice for Stefan to play there, it was his first game as a [right-back].” He plays a lot of center-half, but not full-back.”
