Liverpool might just be nurturing its own version of Sergio Busquets in 20 year old Stefan Bajcetic, who’s been drawing parallels to the Barcelona maestro during his loan spell at Las Palmas. After moving there in January from a less-than-successful period at Red Bull Salzburg, Bajcetic has taken LaLiga by storm in his seven appearances to date.
Bajcetic made his Liverpool first-team debut as a teen in 2022 but faced a series of injuries which stalled his momentum, prompting a loan to Salzburg intended to kickstart his playing time.
His game time at Salzburg, however, was limited to a single full match before cutting the loan short and switching to Las Palmas. Since his return to Spain, Bajcetic has been on top form, ranking among LaLiga’s best in tackles, blocks, interceptions, and aerial duels per 90 minutes.
The midfielder’s revival has seen him earn comparisons to legendary Busquets. “He reminds me of Sergio Busquets, because of how he drives the ball and how he moves around the field,” noted Spanish journalist Manuel Garcia in an interview with the Daily Mail.
This isn’t the first time Bajcetic has been likened to Busquets; back in 2023, Alex Otero, ex-academy director at Celta Vigo, mentioned to the Liverpool Echo: “He reminds me of Sergio Busquets, the best Busquets of many years ago.
“He would only play in the midfield and the other players attacked, but Stefan has other qualities different to Busquets; he likes to advance into the opposition box and support attacks. Stefan can play No.8, not just No.6.
“I say Busquets because he was one of the best midfielders in the national team with Spain, but Stefan has a different future to Busquets. At the top level, I’m sure. For me, Stefan is a player that is better suited to the Premier League than La Liga.
(Image: Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)
“In Spain, it’s very slow but the Premier League is very fast-paced, end-to-end and with a higher intensity that suits Stefan’s conditions. His legs are incredible, the capacity he has to turn and explode away from the opponents. His first, second and third touches in small situations too are incredible.”
Liverpool’s prodigious talent, Bajcetic, stands on the precipice of a potentially pivotal role at Anfield next season, with boss Arne Slot an ardent admirer. “I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player,” expressed Slot back in August.
“I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now. If you’re that young and you’ve been sidelined for a lengthy period, what you need most is game time.He could clock up minutes here, but with six or seven exceptional midfielders in our ranks, his opportunities will indeed be more constrained…
“This club has historically taken wise decisions, focusing not just on immediate gains but also setting an eye on future rewards. “It’s a smart decision, at least in our opinion, to let him go somewhere, where he will hopefully play a lot of games. Then for next season, we’ll have a player. If he fulfils his potential, [he] could definitely, definitely play for us in the future. “.
