Bajcetic

Liverpool earned their first league win of 2023 in the Merseyside derby, as they saw off Everton with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody ...

[Núñez](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/darwin-nunez-liverpool-michail-antonio-26214418)was all over the front line, popping up on the left, through the middle and on the right. Set up [Salah](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/transfer-news/liverpool-transfer-news-bellingham-salah-26219945) for the opener was a lightning quick run following an Everton corner. The left-back bombed forward when possible and played a big role in [Gakpo's](https://www.liverpool.com/all-about/cody-gakpo) goal, as it was his initial run from deep which set the ball rolling. Still looks a fraction off the pace but the goal will do his confidence well. Should be one of the first names on the team sheet on current form. One of his best performances for a while. Aside from his goal, Gakpo did very little. [Liverpool](https://www.liverpool.com), harassing Everton's midfielders when appropriate and playing some intelligent balls forward. Liverpool earned their first league win of 2023 in the Merseyside derby, as they saw off Everton with a 2-0 victory. Man of the match. Yet he wasn't especially poor, and actually recovered pretty well from that early error. [Sign up to the Liverpool.com newsletter here — it only takes a few seconds!](https://www.liverpool.com/newsletter-preference-centre/)

Liverpool fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Stefan Bajcetic's performance during the Merseyside derby against Everton tonight.

He remained composed on the ball and looked more than capable competing with a tough Everton side with his powerful tackles. [as he continues to progress rapidly with the first-team.](https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/01/30/exceptional-prospect-did-what-no-one-else-could-for-liverpool-yesterday/) [Man of the Match](https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1625250239190822924).

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has received a huge salary increase after signing a new deal at Anfield, a report has claimed.

[Bajcetic was the only Liverpool player singled out for praise by Jurgen Klopp](https://www.sportbible.com/football/liverpool-wolves-jurgen-klopp-stefan-bajcetic-news-964168-20230205) after the disappointing 3-0 defeat to Wolves earlier this month. [Liverpool](/liverpool), [Football](/football) [Liverpool star handed unexpected boost by Manchester United player after shock announcement](/football/liverpool-ibrahima-konate-france-raphael-varane-retirement-news-355094-20230203) [Liverpool handed huge boost ahead of Real Madrid clash as Spanish giants reveal major setback](/football/liverpool-real-madrid-champions-league-mendy-injury-news-093029-20230131) [Liverpool handed major transfer boost after rivals 'damage' their chances of signing summer target](/football/liverpool-moises-caicedo-arsenal-transfer-news-369089-20230202) [Liverpool suffer huge injury blow with key player a major doubt for Merseyside derby against Everton](/football/liverpool-thiago-injury-everton-merseyside-derby-news-688992-20230210) [committed his future to the Reds until the summer of 2027](https://www.sportbible.com/football/liverpool-stefan-bajcetic-contract-new-deal-transfer-news-544181-20230126) and [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-liverpool-have-agreed-9-4m-stefan-bajcetic-deal) has now revealed the details of Bajcetic's new deal. [Salary Sport ](https://salarysport.com/football/premier-league/liverpool-f.c.)has estimated that Bajcetic was previously earning a weekly salary of £2,600 before his new deal. Bajcetic has emerged as an important figure for Liverpool in recent months and is being viewed as a potential long-term solution to the club's midfield problems. [Liverpool](https://www.sportbible.com/liverpool)'s first-team earlier this season and was recently rewarded with a new "long-term" contract.

Liverpool got back to winning ways with a comfortable Merseyside derby victory as Sean Dyche was shown task he faces in keeping Everton up.

More seasoned observers of the Blue camp knew to take it all with a kilo of salt. It was hard not to think a forward with more top-level nous might have reacted quicker and in a more dynamic fashion. Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were key to Liverpool’s positivity. Both looked confident taking on their opponents and defending against them. Later in the half, he made a sliding challenge right by Klopp, who applauded in his direction immediately. He was a leader throughout, reading the game well and not afraid to get stuck into tackles. And he proved his burgeoning talent again in the opening 45 minutes when he covered more distance (5.91km) than any other Liverpool player. One tick in his box. [Fabinho](https://theathletic.com/football/player/fabinho-B4oErnzfMBHwkivn/) dropping deeper and [Jordan Henderson](https://theathletic.com/football/player/jordan-henderson-y1RJ8PecCTSQJUtq/) to the right. [Amadou Onana](https://theathletic.com/football/player/amadou-onana-hRwgTNqRKqyTsqeX/) a half-chance. [Ellis Simms](https://theathletic.com/football/player/ellis-simms-JTkz1KK1Gd56bDBg/) the nod in place of [Dominic Calvert-Lewin](https://theathletic.com/football/player/dominic-calvert-lewin-F3xBShCKjAt7yDqt/) but he barely got a kick — after victory over [Arsenal](https://theathletic.com/football/team/arsenal/), this showed the size of the task the new manager has in trying to keep [Everton](https://theathletic.com/football/team/everton/) in the top flight. [Mohamed Salah](https://theathletic.com/football/player/mohamed-salah-NuvaNMBabDgYuJtn/)’s breakaway goal and [Cody Gakpo](https://theathletic.com/football/player/cody-gakpo-djGTTuUUTuWr6O2m/)’s first strike for [Liverpool](https://theathletic.com/football/team/liverpool/) were enough to get Jurgen Klopp’s team back to winning ways in Sean Dyche’s first Merseyside derby.

The Reds did not have a tough day at the office, cruising past an Everton side with no ideas.

“To be fair, I played in a different position [today]. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games.” Fans are not the only ones who have noticed the academy player’s skill, with Mohamed Salah telling the press post-match “[Bajčetić] is a great player and person, he always tries to work hard.

Stefan Bajcetic was delighted to be part of Liverpool's derby win against Everton. The youngster was singled out for praise by teammate Mohamed Salah at the ...

Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games. [Follow Yardbarker on MSN to get our exclusive content in your Microsoft News feed](https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us) Are you a Windows user?

Spanish teenager Stefan Bajcetic was brave on the ball, as was Cody Gakpo, although Liverpool were not without some luck against Everton.

There is a directness to both of them that evokes the classic early Klopp sides, all pace and impatience, the shortest route to goal through the quickest means possible. The dizzying speed of the break stuns And most cheeringly of all, it is their new guard who make the best use of it. And the Spaniard is the perfect teacher: brave on the ball and an intelligent mover off it, the sort of player who always knows exactly how much time he has on the ball, who can speed play up or slow it down. And for all the riotous fun of the second half, there were also some warning signs for them. Perhaps the reason Liverpool start so badly is that they have lost the ability to self-motivate. Indeed for much of the first half-hour they looked like a pale shadow: frazzled, tired, dead behind the eyes. Even the flailing Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed to grow into this game, earning a second-half assist and unveiling his classic repertoire of crosses: the stinger, the zinger, the curler, the swirler, the roller, the high diagonal, the sly left-footer. The defensive display, particularly in the second half. The hopeful reading is that this comfortable win against their favourite opponents can restore a little of the old swagger, set them back on an upward path. Well, they always say the form book goes out of the window on derby day. At the conclusion of this game, as Liverpool’s players shared backslaps and embraces on the pitch, as Jürgen Klopp strode over to the Kop to punch the air with his harpoon-fist, as Anfield buzzed to the strains of “going down, going down, going down”, it was possible to sense a curious and unfamiliar vibe around this place.

Before Liverpool's win over Everton on Monday Night Football, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was concerned about where Jurgen Klopp's side would get their ...

But the return of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte could be a big part of the solution for Guardiola. But a common problem is stunting their progress, and ultimately led to the dismissal of Jesse Marsch: scoring goals. On paper he seems like the perfect foil for the array of pace and trickery in this Leeds squad but there is a question mark surrounding whether the same player that has led the line magnificently in recent years still remains. Their last four goals conceded have come from City errors, with Silva just the latest player to lose concentration and gift the opposition a goal. It was an issue in the defeat at Tottenham last week, too. "We need to show we are better than them," he said of Wednesday's meeting in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. And Real Madrid, the side which beat them in the Champions League final last season, will provide a seriously stiff examination and could swiftly stall any talk of a recovery. Erling Haaland tends to dominate the headlines with Manchester City and that is sure to continue following his early withdrawal on Sunday. It was Rodri, of course, who scored City's stoppage-time winner in their last visit to the Emirates Stadium. In their next two games, Liverpool must go to fourth-placed Newcastle and then host Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16. This was Liverpool's first win at home in 2023 and just their second win in eight games this calendar year. So much has been made of Liverpool's failure to upgrade their midfield, but perhaps Bajcetic can become part of the solution to that problem.

Teenage midfielder growing in importance after each and every game.

Klopp, meanwhile, added: “We are really happy with him, a top boy, really smart and calm. “Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.” [urgen Klopp](/topic/jurgen-klopp) and [Mohamed Salah](/topic/mohamed-salah) both lavished praise on Stefan Bajcetic for his performance during [Liverpool](/topic/liverpool)’s win over [Everton](/topic/everton).

The 18-year-old midfielder starred for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp's side registered their first Premier League win of 2023 with a 2-0 victory against Everton ...

'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. Mo Salah is probably one of the best players ever in Liverpool history so it is nice to hear a legend say that to me. Salah has been. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games. 'He's a great player and person, he always tries to work hard. 'Nunez has been amazing.

Liverpool starlet Stefan Bajcetic has been labelled as the club's 'best player' by Mohamed Salah since the teenager broke into the first team.The 18-y.

Get up to £40 in free bets on selected events. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Bonuses expire in 7 days. It is a nice story.” [Salah](https://talksport.com/who/mohamed-salah/), who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, lauded the youngster following the full-time whistle in an interview with Sky Sports. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games.”

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has described his rise to the first team as "crazy" after putting in a stand-out performance against Everton.

[Liverpool's next six Premier League fixtures compared to Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpools-next-six-premier-league-26231150) [What Virgil van Dijk told Cody Gakpo before scoring first goal for Liverpool against Everton](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-virgil-van-dijk-told-26231021) ['Where is he going? He was signed from Celta Vigo as a 16-year-old defender but since he has evolved into a midfielder and has staked his claim as the future of [Liverpool's ](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc)engine room. I always say a year ago I was playing under-18s football and now I’m playing at Anfield. Salah, who set Liverpool on their way to victory over the Blues, claimed that the teenager had been the team's best player since breaking into the side. But the emergence of Bajcetic has provided a glimmer of light, which was reiterated by Bajcetic responded: "Wow, he’s Mo Salah! Hopefully he still has that confidence and we just keep going." It was just Bajcetic's sixth Premier League appearance since making his debut as a substitute during the 9-0 home rout over Bournemouth at the end of August. [Mohamed Salah](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/mohamed-salah). [What happened to Jordan Pickford set tone for Liverpool inside 20 minutes](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-everton-26228841) [Stefan Bajcetic and two others shine in win over Everton](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-player-ratings-bajcetic-breaking-26228822) [Reds ](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc)defender [Jamie Carragher](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/jamie-carragher) on Sky Sports for his role in the 2-0 win against Sean Dyche's side.

“Mo Salah is probably one of the best players ever in Liverpool history so it is nice to hear a legend say that to me,” Bajcetic said. “I won more confidence ...

“He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard,” Salah said. Hopefully, we keep playing well and win more games.” [Mo Salah](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/mohamed-salah/) is probably one of the best players ever in Liverpool history so it is nice to hear a legend say that to me,” Bajcetic said. [Everton](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/everton), in a different midfield position, on the left of the three, he continued to shine and was rightly crowned Man of the Match by Sky Sports and [This Is Anfield](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/02/liverpool-2-0-everton-player-ratings-2/). [Everton](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/everton), [Stefan Bajcetic](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/stefan-bajcetic/) was heralded as Liverpool’s current “best player” by [Mohamed Salah](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/mohamed-salah/). [Fabinho](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/fabinho/) and [Jordan Henderson](https://www.thisisanfield.com/liverpool-fc/jordan-henderson/) along the way and oozing confidence beyond his tender years.

Mohamed Salah and Stefan Bajcetic both expressed a determination to now build on the hugely encouraging display Liverpool produced on Monday night that saw ...

I always say a year ago I was playing U18s football and now I'm playing [at] Anfield. We managed to win the game and that's the most important thing. Hendo and Millie were speaking last week and they spoke again yesterday, 'Guys, we just have to play our football. I know that Darwin is really fast and they had a corner and we managed to play a one-two, and I knew that he's going to play the ball in the space. So, I know how he plays, how he is as a player. I train with Darwin, I know his style, I know how he likes to play. I think we had a perfect week to train and the players were so excited. That's just happened in one year and it's so crazy. Hopefully he stays with that confidence and just keeps going. We were a little bit lucky but luck always comes when you work really hard and I'm sure we work really hard. Hopefully that's the start. We did it a few times – against Napoli, a few times against City.

Before Liverpool's win over Everton on Monday Night Football, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was concerned about where Jurgen Klopp's side would get their ...

But the return of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte could be a big part of the solution for Guardiola. But a common problem is stunting their progress, and ultimately led to the dismissal of Jesse Marsch: scoring goals. On paper he seems like the perfect foil for the array of pace and trickery in this Leeds squad but there is a question mark surrounding whether the same player that has led the line magnificently in recent years still remains. Their last four goals conceded have come from City errors, with Silva just the latest player to lose concentration and gift the opposition a goal. It was an issue in the defeat at Tottenham last week, too. "We need to show we are better than them," he said of Wednesday's meeting in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. And Real Madrid, the side which beat them in the Champions League final last season, will provide a seriously stiff examination and could swiftly stall any talk of a recovery. Erling Haaland tends to dominate the headlines with Manchester City and that is sure to continue following his early withdrawal on Sunday. It was Rodri, of course, who scored City's stoppage-time winner in their last visit to the Emirates Stadium. In their next two games, Liverpool must go to fourth-placed Newcastle and then host Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16. This was Liverpool's first win at home in 2023 and just their second win in eight games this calendar year. So much has been made of Liverpool's failure to upgrade their midfield, but perhaps Bajcetic can become part of the solution to that problem.

Before Liverpool's win over Everton on Monday Night Football, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was concerned about where Jurgen Klopp's side would get their ...

But the return of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte could be a big part of the solution for Guardiola. But a common problem is stunting their progress, and ultimately led to the dismissal of Jesse Marsch: scoring goals. On paper he seems like the perfect foil for the array of pace and trickery in this Leeds squad but there is a question mark surrounding whether the same player that has led the line magnificently in recent years still remains. Their last four goals conceded have come from City errors, with Silva just the latest player to lose concentration and gift the opposition a goal. It was an issue in the defeat at Tottenham last week, too. "We need to show we are better than them," he said of Wednesday's meeting in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. And Real Madrid, the side which beat them in the Champions League final last season, will provide a seriously stiff examination and could swiftly stall any talk of a recovery. Erling Haaland tends to dominate the headlines with Manchester City and that is sure to continue following his early withdrawal on Sunday. It was Rodri, of course, who scored City's stoppage-time winner in their last visit to the Emirates Stadium. In their next two games, Liverpool must go to fourth-placed Newcastle and then host Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16. This was Liverpool's first win at home in 2023 and just their second win in eight games this calendar year. So much has been made of Liverpool's failure to upgrade their midfield, but perhaps Bajcetic can become part of the solution to that problem.

Liverpool starlet Stefan Bajcetic has been the club's best player since breaking into the first team, according to Mohamed Salah.The 18-year-old midfi.

And fans certainly thought highly of him, with former player Jamie Carragher tweeting: “A big win and a huge improvement in the performance from Liverpool tonight. Get up to £30 in free bets on selected events. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. It is a nice story.” [Salah](https://talksport.com/who/mohamed-salah/), who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, lauded the youngster following the full-time whistle in an interview with Sky Sports. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games.”

The 18-year-old is giving Jurgen Klopp more reasons to keep picking him at the heart of Liverpool's midfield.

Win that and a six-point difference with a game in hand suddenly feels a lot closer than the evidence and results of the past few months would suggest it should be. The difference from the Reds in ninth to Newcastle in fourth is nine points, with a game in hand. “I won more confidence playing at Anfield for a couple of games so I always love a tackle so I combine both [defending and attacking] and that is good. And that leads back to the big question now facing Klopp: how exactly do Liverpool win more games? “We are really happy with him, a top boy, really smart and calm,” Klopp said after the win. Another first will soon come though, in all likelihood: a maiden appearance against a team from his home nation, with Real Madrid on the horizon.

The young Spaniard looks to have breathed fresh life into Liverpool's ageing midfield.

The timing of Bajcetic's substitution after 88 minutes maximised the choreography to ensure he received a deserved standing ovation from the Kop. Put him in a Liverpool side in which everyone else is purring and the result is the precociousness which eclipsed an Everton midfield which had outrun and outfought Arsenal a week earlier. By the time he was ready to feature for the Under-21s, Klopp and his assistant Pep Lijnders had decided they wanted him in the first team set-up, so he barely played for the second tier side. He has been immune from criticism after some dire defeats – not just because of his tender years – but because he was one of the few demonstrating passion, poise and promise amid carnage. The reconstruction of Liverpool before next season has already been fantasised by those anticipating a summer splurge, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham imagined to be exchanging one-twos with Wolves’ Matheus Nunes in the Anfield centre-circle. Liverpool had been negotiating with Celta Vigo for months, only to be told in the last few days of the transfer window there was no hope.

Reaction from Jurgen Klopp after the Merseyside derby clash at Anfield on Monday after Stefan Bajcetic impressed for Liverpool.

"The next one who needs something like that is Darwin, the chance he had was a really good one. The Netherlands forward was on hand to tap home from Trent Alexander-Arnold's low cross and the Reds boss said it was a timely goal, admitting Darwin Nunez could also benefit from getting the opportunity to convert such a gilt-edge chance. He came here as a kid as a centre-half and played now as a No.6 in a few games and tonight as a No.8 and a lot of moments as a double six. It was quite a good performance, to be honest." Klopp added: “Yes, good performance as well. "We put him in a new position.

Liverpool youngster Stefan Bajcetic has shared what left him surprised during the Merseyside derby last night. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, ...

Incredibly, the Reds initially signed Bajcetic as a centre-back, where he arrived at Anfield as a natural defender in Fabinho returned to his usual role as Liverpool’s number six, while Bajcetic was utilised as more of a number eight – a position he was [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football) after the game, as posted by [Football Daily](https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1625255400818765858), the 18-year-old claimed how surprised he was by how comfortable he felt playing in a different position in midfield tonight.

Ian Doyle rates Stefan Bajcetic and other Liverpool players after the Merseyside derby against Everton on Monday.

Subbed. Did the simple stuff well.

Liverpool's failure to sign a new midfielder was the talk of the January transfer window but the club may already have a solution in Stefan Bajcetic.T.

Get up to £30 in free bets on selected events. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Bonuses expire in 7 days. I love everything in that position.” But I love to run, I love to defend. Opt in, bet up to £30 (min. [The Weekend Sports Breakfast host believes the Spaniard doesn’t suit Klopp’s style](https://talksport.com/football/1296672/liverpool-tactics-thiago-chelsea-issues-transfer-jurgen-klopp/) – especially when the chips are down. He was lucky, quote unquote, that a lot of people were injured in midfield and from the beginning he started training with the first team,” he told Bajcetic senior added: “What gives me more peace of mind is that he has the head of a 30-year-old in the body of an 18-year-old boy. Although the loss proved to be a baptism of fire for the teenager, there were signs of a connection between him and Thiago that has proved decades in the making. Late on in the latter, Bajcetic scored his first goal for the club to become the second youngest Spanish player to net in the Premier League and Thiago, watching on from the sidelines, was captured celebrating almost as exuberantly as the club’s No.43. Bajcetic was handed a start in the first game after the restart in a 3-2 defeat away to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.