Liverpool have already found their ideal midfield solution to boost Jude Bellingham transfer chances

Liverpool may have found the ideal solution to their ongoing midfield issues after an impressive display from teenager Stefan Bajcetic in the FA Cup against Wolves.

In just his ninth senior appearance for Liverpool, Bajectic was voted player of the match by the club's fans - coming out just ahead of match winner Harvey Elliott, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Reds.

The recent dip in form from Jurgen Klopp's side leaves them ninth in the Premier League table and fighting to qualify for Europe next season, with issues over ownership, investment and current personnel currently engulfing the club.

But since Klopp's arrival at Anfield back in 2016 patience has been the key.

The German manager crafted a side capable of challenging on all fronts thanks to shrewd recruitment and his ability to turn young players into the world's best stars.

The Reds' standout moments during Klopp's tenure have been lifting the Champions League in 2019 and being crowned Premier League champions for the first time ever in 2020.

They were both sides dominated by the attacking greatness of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino and many questioned how irreplaceable the three of them were.

But Liverpool have shown their ability to gradually introduce successors to the flawless trio with the acquisition of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

So why haven't they been able to do the same with their midfield unit?

Could Bajcetic be the answer?

The performance from the 18-year-old Spaniard on Tuesday night may have finally provided the solution.

Several of Liverpool's midfielders have come under criticism for their performances this season, not least Fabinho.

Club legend Jamie Carragher is one person who has blasted him this campaign, most notably tweeting how "awful" the Reds were and asking "what's going on?" with Fabinho after defeat against Nottingham Forest back in October.

Whilst Bajcetic can't be expected to single-handedly turn around the Reds' fortunes, he could be a potential long-term successor to the Brazilian.

Manager Klopp was full of praise for his performance last night and insisted "the door is open" for anybody who is "ready to fight".

"Good boy, good player. Very smart in his movements," he told journalists.

"He had a few situations – I’m not sure if he saw that he had space or just hoped that he had space – when he turned and there actually was space. He did really well.

"What helps then, really, is that he wins these challenges. The last few steps before he blocks the ball, that’s really good.

"We rotated a lot because of the players who were available, but of course, the door is open for everybody. We have to fight, whoever’s ready to fight has a good chance to play."

Bajcetic impressed for Liverpool against Wolves on Tuesday night (Image: Alamy)

It sounds promising for fans of Bajcetic and if he continues to impress then he could force Fabinho out of the team on form alone.

Former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia seems to rate him too, suggesting in a social media post that he has all the credentials to be a star for both club a country.

He said: "You will say that I'm saying this because he's a Spanish player but Bajcetic is showing credentials to be the present/future midfielder of LFC & Spain."

How could Bajcetic help Liverpool sign Bellingham?

Bajcetic could also be the perfect midfield partner for potential new arrival Jude Bellingham, who remains Liverpool's No 1 transfer target.

The Merseyside giants continue to be strongly linked with the England international, with reports suggesting that Borussia Dortmund will demand up to £130m for the player when the summer transfer window opens.

This price could be driven up even further due to interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, while Manchester City and PSG are also reportedly interested in the 19-year-old.

Liverpool are likely to have to break their transfer record to sign Bellingham, while the midfielder is also expected to have significant wage demands.

This could prove to be problematic for Liverpool, who are believed to be in the market for more than one midfielder.

However, if Bajcetic can cement his place in the first-team, it could potentially free up more funds for Liverpool in their pursuit of Bellingham.

Topics: Fabinho, Jude Bellingham, Liverpool, Transfers, Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, Bundesliga

Will Evans

Sports journalist with experience writing for local and national titles.

@WillEvo20