Stefan Bajčetić takes next step toward Liverpool comeback as Bobby Clark given quiet compliment

Stefan Bajčetić made his first start since September for Liverpool U21s away at Sunderland.
Stefan Bajčetić made his first start since September for Liverpool U21s away at Sunderland. -Credit:Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images


Stefan Bajčetić took another step towards making a senior Liverpool comeback after missing most of this season through injury today. The Spaniard started for the Reds' U21s against Sunderland and was named in a line-up for the first time since mid-September.

Bajčetić was replaced at half-time but he is still working his way back to full fitness. The 19-year-old played half an hour off the bench at Old Trafford last week as the young Reds beat Manchester United but this was a more difficult outing for the team.

Against Sunderland, it was the host that came out on top despite Liverpool going ahead in the game through Lewis Koumas. The Black Cats turned the match around via goals from Harrison Jones and Tymur Tutierov.

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James McConnell, Bobby Clark and Trey Nyoni all started the match. But Barry Lewtas' side struggled to test the Sunderland goalkeeper often enough and ended up losing.

Fabian Mrozek, the Liverpool stopper, was excellent as he kept his side in contention. Sunderland was a physical test for a number of players especially Clark, who came in for some rough treatment and was on the end of a number of strong tackles, quietly showing how much of an impression he has made — and should probably have won the match by more than one goal.

Jayden Danns also played in the game while Kaide Gordon started. Gordon is still working his way back from a long injury but he has impressed in the last few weeks, scoring against Manchester United and consistently playing 90 minutes throughout 2024.

The result leaves Liverpool sixth in Premier League 2, level with both Arsenal and Chelsea. The Reds host the Gunners on Sunday in their final fixture of the season.

Liverpool.com says: It is great to see Bajčetić working his way back into contention again. If he can get back to full sharpness over the summer, then the next Reds boss will have an instant boost when they come in. The former Celta Vigo starlet is a real talent and he showed that last season.

As soon as he is fully match fit again, he will offer a big injection of quality into the Liverpool midfield. Considering it is now a midfield that is thriving rather than struggling, that is especially intriguing. If he was that good when the Reds were playing poorly, how good might he look alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister?