Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic capped a dream Christmas by netting his first senior goal in the Reds' 3-1 win over Aston Villa - and the highly-rated youngster now has a big decision to make over his international future in the New Year.
Bajcetic, 18, is eligible to play for both Serbia and Spain after being born in Spain to Serbian parents. His father, Srdan Bajcetic, also represented Serbia at international level.
Bajcetic junior did receive a call-up to the Spain under-19 squad earlier this year, however, the talented teenager was unable to participate in a friendly match against Israel due to injury.
Despite that, the former Celta Vigo prodigy is still on La Roja's radar - and it appears as though that interest is mutual, with Bajcetic believed to be keen on turning out for the former world champions.
According to a fresh report from AS, Bajcetic has already indicated to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that his 'desire' is to represent Spain in the future. The report also indicates, though, that the Serbian Football Federation is still attempting to persuade Bajcetic to switch his allegiance.
Former U21 boss Luis de la Fuente was appointed as Spain's new head coach earlier this month after Luis Enrique lost his job in the wake of La Roja's disappointing World Cup campaign.
De La Fuente's appointment indicates that Spain are likely to place their trust in a number of younger players in a bid to rebound from their last 16 exit at the hands of Morocco, particularly as De La Fuente is very aware of the talent in Spain's youth ranks.
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It is believed that Bajcetic could be one of the names on De La Fuente's radar after his goalscoring cameo against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The midfield maestro, who was making just his seventh senior appearance for the Reds, sealed the points for Jurgen Klopp's side with an astute finish from an acute angle just days after catching the eye in Liverpool's Carabao Cup defeat against Manchester City.
Bajcetic only moved to Anfield from his hometown club, Celta Vigo, back in November 2021. Just over 12 months on, the teenager was lauded by Klopp, who claimed that his festive strike against Villa was "like a Christmas story".
"I think he showed what he can do," said the Liverpool manager. "He is cheeky like hell, not worried about anything, just plays football and does it exceptionally well. He has a football player father so the genes are there. The attitude and awareness are really big and he is a big pleasure to work with."
