John Barnes convinced Arne Slot already has the next Rodri in his Liverpool set-up
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is yet to make a signing this summer, but he's been told by a club icon that one of his current payers could develop into a formidable midfield force
Arne Slot has been told by John Barnes that Liverpool starlet Stefan Bajcetic could develop into the next Rodri.
A lengthy spell on the sidelines stunted the young Spaniard's progression in 2023, but Bajcetic was one of Liverpool's brightest young sparks under Jurgen Klopp and has been tipped to emulate Manchester City's enforcer.
Rodri has become one of the world's premier midfielders, winning Euro 2024 with his nation as well as four Premier League titles and a Champions League with his club - in which he scored a dramatic winner in the 2023 final.
Reds legend Barnes believes that Bajcetic should be given time to develop under his new Dutch coach, and in turn could become Liverpool's next talisman - the way his compatriot has at the Etihad.
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard and Anthony Gordon give generous donations to Southport stabbing victimsREAD MORE: Liverpool stars 'jealous' of Jurgen Klopp's treatment of one player at the club“He’s an out-and-out number six," Barnes told bettingexpert.com. "Everyone is now raving about Rodri. I’ve been talking about the importance of a good defensive midfielder for a long time and how vital they are to the team. Now everybody is talking about how important they are.
“We saw how good he was when he filled in for Fabinho. We’ve brought [Wataru] Endo in and he’s done well but I think Bajcetic is an upgrade on Endo in terms of what he does on the ball so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does and I’m hoping that he can stay fit. That role is earmarked for him.”
Bajcetic could've been wearing a different shade of red had things gone differently, as he was on the verge of joining rivals Manchester United before the deal fell through, with Liverpool then scooping him up from Celta Vigo for £225,500.
Barnes thinks Bajcetic's position is one of the most important in the modern game, and the youngster they stole under the noses of their rivals would be the perfect long-term Anfield six. A new holding player has been the topic of conversation at Anfield this summer.
Endo has been the subject of a £12m bid from French outfit Marseille, while moves for both Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners and Bologna's Morten Frendrup has been discussed. Barnes believes that Bajcetic should step into that starting six role, and with his contract committed until 2027, a transfer away from Anfield isn't likely.
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