BERLIN WOW

Grujic might just be the answer to Klopp’s problems in midfield

IF there has been a consistent call, amid Liverpool’s stutters in recent weeks, it has been for more midfield creativity.

The Reds have dropped 11 points from a possible 27 in their previous nine games. Contrast that with the first 20 matches of the season, where they discarded just six points from 60.

It is the service to Mo Salah and Co that has been under the spotlight. Jurgen Klopp’s midfield have scored just six league goals all season.

He is now monitoring potential targets, one of which has stood out recently at Hertha Berlin in Germany, his performances last month earning a nomination for the Bundesliga Rookie award.

And Liverpool have watched this player, who is drawing admiring glances from Lazio and even Bayern Munich, at every game. Why? Because he belongs to them. And Marko Grujic could just be the player they need going forward.

In his three years at Anfield, Grujic, 22, has made just 14 appearances, almost all from the bench. Despite his raw talent, he appeared to struggle with the demands of the Premier League.

But he has matured fast since arriving on loan in Berlin, something which has impressed coach Pal Dardai.

“I’ve been at Hertha for 22 years and Marko is by far the best midfielder I’ve seen in my time,” he said. “Much better than I was, much more of a goal threat – he can play anywhere in midfield.”

Klopp is in touch regularly, and the Reds monitor his progress, with football director Michael Edwards travelling out to see Grujic last month. There is an excitement at Anfield about what he can achieve in the future. Grujic has stats with Hertha unsurpassed in the big five leagues in Europe – 82 per cent aerial duels won, 90 per cent pass completion, more duels won than any midfielder in Europe.

The plan, it is suggested, is to bring Grujic (left) back to see if he is ready in preseason. In a recent interview, Grujic said: “My target is to be a regular player of Liverpool and I’m still thinking I can do that.”

When Klopp welcomes the Serb back, he’ll hope he can save himself a fortune in this summer’s transfer market.

Marko is the best midfielder I have seen in my time at the club