This was the second successive time when Liverpool went big in the transfer market. The Reds sold Raheem Sterling and bought a number of attacking players which of course, includes the pick of the signings, Roberto Firmino.
As Firmino isn’t a like for like replacement for Sterling, many have cried out over the need for the Reds to sign another attacker to replace the Englishman. The Reds are right for not doing that. They have a like for like replacement in Jordan Ibe, who rest assured, is yet not at the same level as Sterling but shows all the attributes of getting there and maybe even becoming better. But people have forgotten that there is another player Liverpool have who can help fill the Raheem void – Lazar Markovic.
There had been some reports which suggested that the Serbian’s future at Liverpool was in doubt. However, it seems like he is staying as Liverpool have managed to keep him so far. It would have been extremely disappointing to see the talented 21-year-old leave, just a year after he came to Merseyside.
There is no doubt that the player got off to an underwhelming start and it was bizarre to see that Liverpool spent £20m on him, after some of his performances. But there is also no doubt that the player is immensely talented as some of his performances showed, and has shown that he is worth keeping around. Moreover, there were plenty of external factors that played a part in his performances, the biggest being the fact that he was used in a number of positions outside his comfort level.
He was predominantly played as a wing-back when Brendan Rodgers adopted the 3-4-2-1 formation and it wasn’t surprising to see him struggle or produce unspectacular displays. Markovic was even used as a right-back in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss at Hull City. We mustn’t forget that the 21-year-old was playing in a new league and for a struggling side, in a number of makeshift positions.
Markovic played in an advanced role in this game and sure enough, results were there to be seen in the form of his goal and this sublime strike that could have been the goal of the season.
The player, when used in a more attacking position, has usually done extremely well. When he came to Liverpool, experts who had watched the Portuguese League said that Markovic can and has been deployed in various positions from winger to attacking midfielder to a second striker. While one can hail his versatility based on this, it is also due to the fact that coaches – not just Brendan Rodgers – cannot seem to find the perfect place on the pitch for him, and hence he has been tried everywhere. So far, he has looked the most convincing playing slightly centrally, as shown by his displays for Serbia. He enjoys playing behind the striker and has looked very effective in the position. In fact, he likes cutting in centrally from the right as he drags defenders out of position.
This is a big season for Markovic. Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino and Ibe are definitely going to be preferred to be the attackers. Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge (when he returns) could be seen on the flanks with Christian Benteke up top. Therefore it will be very difficult for Markovic to break into the first team. However, he is likely to get chances in the cup games and he will have to take them with both hands. Liverpool have bought Nathaniel Clyne and have Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno for the opposite flank so Markovic will not be fielded in the awkward role even if Rodgers shifts to a three man backline once again.
Markovic certainly possesses talent and potential and at 21, has a long road ahead of him. However, this might be the detrimental season at Anfield for him as Liverpool might look to ship him off if he doesn’t make much impact. Brendan Rodgers should give him chances to prove his worth and then it is up to the Serbian to ensure he takes the chances he will get. What is also important is both Rodgers as well as the player find his ideal position as it will be tragic to see a player with so much raw talent, not fulfil his potential.
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