Jurgen Klopp has never been afraid to give young players a chance at Liverpool.
Experience goes a long way in helping sides get over the line in big matches. But the fearlessness of youth and potential can also be vital to a team's prospects.
And that's what Klopp and his Liverpool coaching staff will be hoping is the case with Stefan Bajcetic. After being handed his full Premier League debut in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea last month, the 18-year-old midfielder's name is on the lips of many Reds fans.
READ MORE: Full Liverpool squad for Everton with six players out after Thiago Alcantara injury
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp launches passionate defence of Liverpool backroom staff
Understandably so, too. Having being given another start in the FA Cup third-round replay win at Wolves a few days later, Bajcetic again impressed in the Anfield stalemate.
League games against Chelsea have often been title deciders or, at least, crucial in the battle for a top-four finish. Sadly, that match resembled what it was - a mid-table battle between two out-of-form teams hit by injuries.
Since then, Bajcetic has been handed starts in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and the loss to Wolves in the Premier League last weekend. Klopp certainly has put his faith in the teenager, despite having more senior options available.
But for Bajcetic, who continues to get the nod over experienced professionals like Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson, it means a lot.
"I liked everything, no it was not a big call, he deserves that. He would've played before but he was injured for two games," Reds boss Klopp told BT Sport ahead of the draw with Chelsea.
"He's made massive steps, he's a smart kid, really good footballer, imagine if I wouldn't have played him today. What do you have to do as a footballer if you play outstanding and the manager says, 'that was good my friend, but back in the cupboard or whatever'?
"It was clear, if we can, we will play with this midfield again. He was a part of that midfield, a very decisive part, that's why we play again with them."
Even Bajcetic himself was not expecting to be continuously handed starts in such important Premier League and cup fixtures. And, for the draw with Chelsea, it was certainly a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows when team news was announced - but in a good way.
Describing his reaction when he discovered the Liverpool manager had included him in his starting XI against Chelsea, Bajcetic Liverpoolfc.com: "Obviously we prepare for the game the day before and I found out, I was a bit shocked.
"I'm so happy to be here and to play and to help the team. I didn't hear it [Klopp's press conference comments], but it's always a great feeling to hear the boss say that. I'm just trying to give my best."
With several starts under his belt, and promising performances in each of those outings, many would expect Bajcetic to keep his place in the team. But with a Merseyside derby against Everton tonight, that would certainly be a big call for Klopp to make - even with the news of an injury for Thiago.
In reality, Klopp will know that extra care must be taken when it comes to one of the club's most emerging talents. And supporters have already seen with one of Bajcetic's team-mates that, when pressed to play too much too soon, youngsters can later face a spell on the sidelines.
Following his summer switch from Fulham, Fabio Carvalho made 16 appearances before the World Cup break and then started the match immediately after it, scoring in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City. However, his only appearance since was in the FA Cup win at Wolves in which Bajcetic starred.
Bajcetic, like Carvalho, has proved his potential, and further starts are likely to keep happening in the future. But they may not become the norm at this stage.
Liverpool will still need the likes of Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita - plus Thiago when he returns - to navigate them through a testing second half of the season.
It’s clear the Spain youth international has the ability and composure to play for the Reds. But to be able to do that for a full season is still an unrealistic burden to place on a teenager.
The talent is there for all to see. But Klopp will be wary of over-working Bajcetic and ensure that talent is harnessed properly.
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp explains why he 'cannot' leave Liverpool during 'difficult time'
- 'I can’t say' - Rafa Benitez makes honest admission on Merseyside Derby loyalties as Liverpool face Everton
- Gary Neville makes 'huge news' claim about possible Liverpool and Man United takeovers
- Howard Webb calls emergency meeting that could see VAR changes made after Liverpool vs Everton
- Liverpool predicted line-up against Everton as defender dropped and Diogo Jota decision made
