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Liverpool put on an impressive performance Thursday night as they put Lincoln City to the sword in a 7-2 victory.
One of Liverpool’s most striking players who also made the score was Marko Grujic.
The Serbian international was making his first competitive outing for the Reds in three years and it was good to have him back in the first team.
Grujic, 24, was deployed as Liverpool’s cape of protection as a deep midfield pivot. He was absolutely outstanding and completed more passes (90) than anyone on the field.
He also scored his first goal for Liverpool after his right-footed shot on the edge of the box was too hot for Lincoln goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
Defensive steel
Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes to the team that beat Chelsea at the weekend with Grujic the only naturally adapted central midfielder on the field.
The German coach opted for a more offensive combination with players like Curtis Jones, Takumi Minamino, Harvey Elliott, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi, all used higher up the field with Grujic sitting behind.
Grujic has a difficult task if he wants to break into Klopp’s renowned starting eleven. The addition of Thiago Alcantara further complicates matters for the Serb, as Liverpool now have eight central midfielders, not including Grujic, in the club’s payroll.
He had more touches on the ball (108) than any player on the field and even produced two key passes, second only to Xherdan Shaqiri. Defensively he contributed, making an interception and also a tackle.
It was a test of why various teams are seeking a deal for the Liverpool player who recently spent the last two seasons on loan in the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin.
Grujic exuded quality and knew how to control the rhythm of the match and dictate when and how Liverpool would start their attacks. If an offer does not come through for Grujic, then there is no reason why he cannot continue to help Klopp in national cup competitions this season.
It has certainly given Klopp a lot to think about to pursue such a confident and accomplished performance.
Reaction
Here’s a look at how Liverpool fans reacted to Grujic’s performance.
Abt result last night
Take a moment to appreciate that grujic had a fantastic game 🙏💕🔥 #lfc– Krishna Goenka (@_Hell_warrior_) September 25, 2020
I would love to see Grujic play in the first team. I know at whose expense it is, but I have always thought that he is a good footballer
– LFCKentSE (@ LFCKentSE1) September 25, 2020
Also, I think the quality of the players is improving, Elliott and Jones look more and more comfortable every time they play, Minamino settled, Jota signed, Grujic introduced, Shaq returned, etc.
– Carson (@WC_LFC_Torres) September 25, 2020
I beg you guys. Please hold on and give Grujic a chance. At least a season or 2 @LFC #LFC
– YNWA_LFC (@ YNWA_LFC96) September 25, 2020
Grujic has a lot of quality, by no means should we be selling it for less than £ 20 million, it could be a useful option for cup competitions, although I’m sure you’ll want to leave if that’s all the playing time you have.
– # 19 # 6 🔴 (@ KingMo11LFC) September 25, 2020
Grujic proved again that he would do useful work for a lower-ranked Premier League team, and a good shot from the edge of the penalty area to cap off an efficient performance. #LFC
– 🍦 (@frankspeil) September 25, 2020
Very happy to see Marko Grujic score his first goal for Liverpool today. If they sell it, it is absolutely necessary that you get a buyback clause. #LFC
– Eric Avissar (@EricAvissar) September 25, 2020
Follow grujic please
– child (@erbuenoo) September 25, 2020
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