Liverpool Dominates Merseyside Derby as Teen Sensation Bajčetić Shines
The Liverpool vs Everton match on February 13, 2023 was a crucial game for both teams. Liverpool was looking to revive their faint hopes of a finish in the Champions League places, while Everton sought to climb out of the relegation zone and build up some much-needed momentum under new manager Sean Dyche. The game was filled with high stakes and tensions, but Liverpool emerged as the clear winner, with a 2–0 victory.
One of the standout players of the match was 18-year-old Stefan Bajčetić, who was making his first start in a high-stakes fixture such as the Merseyside derby. Despite initial doubts about the teenager’s physicality, Bajčetić put in a commanding performance, showing no fear and snapping into his tackles early on. Throughout the game, he won the ball back numerous times and put Liverpool on the attack, all without committing a foul. Bajčetić’s display was a clear indication of how badly Liverpool missed high volume ball-winners in their midfield, and his impact on the game showed that Klopp’s issues this season can be fixed with a midfield revamp.
Cody Gakpo, who recently joined Liverpool, also made a significant impact in the game. He scored his first goal for the club and showed that he is suited to play in a free role in Klopp’s more vertical style. Gakpo, who is better in a hybrid role, is key to unlocking Nunez and Salah. When Jota is fit, he will be a preferable option for Klopp, but for now, Gakpo is playing a crucial role in the attacking phase of the team.
One of the biggest issues Liverpool faced this season was the use of Salah away from goal and the use of Trent Alexander-Arnold as almost an inside forward in the attacking phase. This nullifies Trent and takes away from Salah’s ability to score goals. The solution to this problem is to have a midfield with three ball-winners, such as Bajčetić, Fabinho, and Henderson. This midfield provides a sense of security and allows for Gakpo to drift in between the lines, which is necessary for the team’s attacking style.
Liverpool vs Everton match was a significant victory for Liverpool, and the performances of Bajčetić and Gakpo were crucial to the team’s success. The solutions to Klopp’s issues this season can be fixed by revamping the midfield and having three ball-winners. Gakpo, who is suited to play in a free role, will be key to unlocking Nunez and Salah, and the addition of Jota when he returns from injury will only add more strength to Liverpool’s attack. The team’s inconsistency in recent months can only be fixed by fixing the structure of the team, and this victory against Everton is a step in the right direction.
