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Stefan Bajcetic was once hailed as Liverpool's "best player" by Mohamed Salah, yet he's scarcely featured under Arne Slot.
The 21-year-old prospect, ruled out with a hamstring problem since May, enjoyed a sparkling introduction at Anfield before his progress ground to a halt. Bajcetic emerged during the 2022-23 season, clocking up 19 appearances and proving to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise challenging campaign for the Reds.
Adept in both central midfield and center-half roles, he won admirers amongst supporters and experts with his adaptability, skill on the ball, and maturity far exceeding his age. His displays even captured Salah's attention, who heaped praise upon the teenager after he claimed Liverpool's Player of the Month award in January 2023.
"He's a great player and person, he always tries to work hard," the Egyptian enthused. "Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe, so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going."
Bajcetic subsequently revealed he was delighted by Salah's remarks. "When Salah tells you these things you try not to get carried away," he said. "When Klopp or players of that calibre tell you these things, it gives you more confidence to go into training the next day and give more. You try to keep your feet on the ground and continue learning from the best."
He appeared poised to become a regular fixture in Liverpool's first team, but Slot's appointment in 2024 changed everything.
The credit Bajcetic had earned under Jurgen Klopp suddenly meant very little, and he found himself back at square one, having to demonstrate his capabilities from scratch.
Seeking consistent playing time, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg on loan, reuniting with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, who had become manager of the Austrian outfit. Following an encouraging six-month spell, Liverpool brought him back in January before immediately loaning him out once more - this time to Las Palmas for the rest of the season.
Upon completing the transfer, Bajcetic characterised returning to Spain as the "best option" for his progression, highlighting Las Palmas' excellent track record in developing young players.
"It was important that the players on loan are also playing and increasing their value here," he explained at his unveiling. "Las Palmas is a team that plays good football and gives opportunities to players who come on loan. I hope there will be some for me too. Considering things, it was the best option for me, I want to grow as a footballer. I think I can improve here."
Bajcetic's time at Las Palmas began promisingly but concluded in disappointment. In May, he sustained a hamstring injury requiring surgery, sidelining him for several months.
In October, Liverpool U21s manager Rob Page confirmed that the club remained uncertain about a specific return date, indicating the midfielder might not feature again until 2026. Despite not yet featuring under Slot and the recent setback, Bajcetic can be reassured that he is still in the manager's long-term plans at Anfield.
"I hope it will be a big year for him because he's a very talented player and I think he could become a very important player for us," said the Dutchman about Bajcetic before his loan move to Salzburg.
"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."
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