Carragher names Bajcetic man of the match in Merseyside derby

‘He’s dealt with the demands physically but also his quality on the ball’: Jamie Carragher names Stefan Bajcetic man of the match after a stellar performance from the 18-year-old in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Everton

• Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 in a solid Merseyside derby performance on Monday
• Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were on the score sheet in the win
• 18-year-old Reds midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was widely praised after the game

Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Stefan Bajcetic after his performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Everton.

Jurgen Klopp’s side picked up their first Premier League victory of the year thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, in a performance more in keeping with expectations than many of their recent games.

18-year-old midfielder Bajcetic was especially lauded by pundits, as Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: ‘I’m going to give player of the match to Bajcetic. [Darwin] Nunez has been amazing. Salah has been [too].  

‘But for a young man of his age to play in a Merseyside derby and put in the performance he’s done… He’s kept players out who have won Champions Leagues in recent weeks.

‘I wasn’t sure if this was the game for him tonight given the power and physicality of Everton’s midfield but he’s been outstanding. He’s dealt with the demands physically but also his quality on the ball.’

18-year-old Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was widely praised for his role in Liverpool’s Merseyside derby win

Jamie Carragher named him man of the match after the home side’s 2-0 victory

The former defender praised Bajcetic for his ‘physicality’ and quality on the ball

It came in just a fifth Premier League appearance for the Spain U18 international, as the Reds dominated the midfield after being heavily criticised in the middle of the pitch at times this season.

Gary Neville felt the experience of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson alongside Bajcetic would have acted as a ‘comfort blanket’ for the youngster, while Leon Osman added that youth can bring ‘freedom’ in high-pressure games.

The teenager seemed thrilled with his performance when interviewed after the game.

‘I have more confidence from playing here for a couple of games,’ he said,  ‘and I always love a tackle. We all know it’s a really important win we hope we can keep it going. 

After being praised by Liverpool’s first goalscorer, Bajcetic added: ‘He’s Mo Salah! Probably one of the best players in Liverpool history so its good to hear. 

‘A year ago I was playing U18s football and now I’m playing at Anfield. It’s crazy and I’m enjoying it a lot.’

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said he was ‘really happy’ with the youngster and called him a ‘top boy and really smart.’

 Liverpool will next be in Premier League action in a potentially vital clash with top four rivals Newcastle on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of 2023 as Liverpool moved up to ninth in the table

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