Rush The Kop
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3 Players that can take the next step in 2023-24

By Joseph Copeland

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool and Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on February 21, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool and Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on February 21, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool labored throughout most of this past season. They turned things around at the just about the right time as they made a late push for the Top 4. Ultimately, a 5th place finish saw many players disappointed with their performances. We have turned the page and look to a few players that can take the next step in the new season. Here we go.

STEFAN BAJCETIC:

One of the few bright spots last year was the emergence of the young Spaniard at the heart of the midfield. With Fabinho showing a severe drop in form and confidence, Jurgen Klopp was desperate to find someone who could fill the defensive midfield pivot.

Bajectic had made a handful of 1st team appearances before the World Cup, but he really burst on the scene after January. He scored off the bench against Aston Villa which would begin an 11 match run where he was a staple in the Starting XI playing well above expectations and with a maturity that belied his years. Injury cut his breakout campaign short.

Looking ahead to the new season, Liverpool are currently in the midst of a midfield overhaul, with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai signaling a changing of the guard.

However, with perhaps even one more midfield signing, one would think the youngster is sliding further away from the first team. However, the departures of Milner, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain means there are still plenty of opportunities to step into the first tem.

A full pre-season with the top squad will only do good for Bajectic. His calmness and vision on the field is already at a very high level, and working with technicians like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will only elevate this part of his game.

If he can stay healthy and play in at least 30 games in all competitions, Liverpool could see an immense return on their 225,00 GBP investment.