Jurgen Klopp declared Stefan Bajcetic is "a joy to work with" as he opened up on his unique friendship with fellow Liverpool midfielder Thiago.
Bajcetic, 18, has been the breakout star of the season at Anfield and has been a bright spark even when those around him have been plagued by injuries and poor form. The teenager made his senior debut last August and has racked up a further 12 appearances for the Reds, earning a long-term contract extension in January.
Despite his youth, Bajcetic has started three consecutive Premier League games for Liverpool and most recently caught the eye in Monday's 2-0 victory over Everton. Football is in the Spanish-born midfielder's blood, as his Serbian father represented the likes of Celta Vigo, Braga and Red Star Belgrade during his own professional career.
The younger Bajcetic previously represented Spain Under-18 and reports earlier this year claimed he harbours ambitions of representing La Roja at senior level. This could see him join forces with Liverpool teammate Thiago at international level, too, and continue their families' association with one another.
Remarkably, Bajcetic's dad, Srdan, and Thiago's father, Mazinho, spent the 1996/97 season together at Celta Vigo, over two decades before their sons joined forces on Merseyside. Klopp highlighted the relationship the pair have and highlighted how Thiago, 31, has been looking after his young teammate.
"A top player. It's a joy to work with him," Klopp said of Bajcetic on Friday. "The mix of Serbia and Spain is good for his football. He's an intelligent boy. Interesting that his dad and Thiago's dad played together. Thiago took him under his wing. An absolute joy."
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Liverpool's physios will be keeping a close eye on Bajcetic's condition to ensure his workload does not become too great at his tender age. That being said, Klopp insisted there have been "no signs he needs a rest", adding: "Stefan played exceptional [at Everton ]. Not because he is 18, because he played exceptional. But it was Fabinho's best game in a long time. Naby [Keita] didn't play bad."
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was also labelled "exceptional" for his performance in the Merseyside Derby, which ended the Reds' winless run in the top flight which stretched back to late December. As Thiago is injured, Henderson and Bajcetic are likely to be two of the three midfielders selected to start Liverpool's next game, a trip to Newcastle on Saturday evening.
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