Next player to break into 1st team

[gkmacca]

I was trying to find highlights of Cardiff games, but so far the most comprehensive ones I found were 2-3 minute Youtube clips from the official channel. So I have some questions for you, if you don't mind:

1. Does Grujic play DM? Alone or with a equally deep-lying partner?
2. How comfortable is he looking in that position? In Liverpool (and in Serbia) he usually played further forward; based on what you've seen so far where do you think is his future position?
3. How is his defensive work? I read that in the last game (Birmingham, I think) he made something like 5 tackles and 6 interceptions, does he seem to enjoy that aspect of the game more than before?

He played his first few games just in central midfield, neither attacking much nor defending much (my own interpretation of it was Warnock was just trying to get him match fit without giving him much tactical responsibility). He didn't look at all comfortable in that position, and lacked the discipline for it, so it wasn't pretty. He not only looked like he wanted to play further forwards, but even spoke about it in interviews with the local press, and was certainly pushed up into a more attacking role after a few games games. The problem was it was still a case of good one minute, awful the next, and downright odd every now and then. More recently - in the last month - he's been played in front of the back four, mainly on his own but with another dropping back when needed, and has seemed to thrive, with tackling and heading much more impressive. He's certainly won most of the fans around - after some bizarre performances in his first few matches, when he looked more like a rugby player at times, he's steadily improved and I think they can see he's a pretty dynamic force, even if there's still a danger of a red card hovering over him most of the time.

 

[rurikbird]

@gkmacca, thanks a lot, that was very insightful (and saved me untold hours of watching Championship footie)!

Wow, so it looks like Grujic (with Warnock's help) has found a completely new midfield role he's never played in before – and so far he's thriving. Maybe that 6-month loan to the lower division will actually prove to be a key moment in his career.

 

[Hansern]

I have high hopes for Gruijc. According to Whoscored he has an average rating of 7,5 after his first 8 games and wins on average 6 headed duels per game for Cardiff. Great numbers that.
Hopefully he can keep this up for the rest of the season and step up for Klopp during pre season.
He has the size, passing range and aggression to be a great player for us in the PL.

 

[gkmacca]

@gkmacca, thanks a lot, that was very insightful (and saved me hours of watching Championship footie)!

Wow, so it looks like Grujic (with Warnock's help) has found a completely new midfield role he's never played in before – and so far he's thriving. That 6-month loan can actually prove to be a key moment in his career.

I have to give credit to Warnock, after some of Grujic's antics early on, especially his mad performance v Leeds, he could easily have hooked him, but he's worked with him and they seem to have developed a constructive relationship.

 

[Fabio]

I have to give credit to Warnock, after some of Grujic's antics early on, especially his mad performance v Leeds, he could easily have hooked him, but he's worked with him and they seem to have developed a constructive relationship.

I'm pleased he's doing well at the minute, and even more pleased if he's developing in to a position we need if can goes.

Very surprised Warnock has coaxed it out of him tbh.

 

[Riyad_Mahrez_10]

Rhian Brewster set for surprise promotion on return from injury

Jack Lusby

• News

14 March 2018




Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster is still sidelined with a long-term ankle injury, but the striker is set for an exciting new role on his return.

Brewster has been absent since January after being stretchered off in the U23s’ 3-2 loss at the hands of Man City, and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The 17-year-old has undergone two surgeries, first on his ankle and then his knee, and is now continuing his rehabilitation at Melwood.

That Brewster is working on his recovery at the first-team training facility is significant, with the Telegraph reporting plans for a promotion to the senior setup on his return.
The World Cup winner is set to join Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for pre-season training this summer, following on from the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn in recent seasons.
He is primed to return to fitness in July, timed perfectly for the Reds’ preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool are due to tour the United States as part of their pre-season schedule, as well as a possible training camp in Europe and at least one friendly at Anfield.


Brewster’s inclusion will see Klopp bolster his attacking options further, with the teenager competing with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke.

The youngster’s domestic season was disrupted by October’s U17 World Cup, at which he won the Golden Boot after netting eight times, but he still made his mark on the U23s squad.
In the first half of the season Brewster scored six and assisted six in 14 games for Neil Critchley’s side, as well as a goal and an assist in the UEFA Youth League for Steven Gerrard’s U19s.

That was clearly enough to convince Klopp of his ability to step up, and it will be interesting to see how prominently Brewster features in the first team next season.
Alexander-Arnold, now 19, has become a regular at right-back, benefiting from injury to Nathaniel Clyne, but Woodburn, 18, has been used more sparingly.

Klopp is unlikely to rush through any of his youngsters, but training on a daily basis at Melwood and being part of the travelling squad home and away can prove an invaluable experience.

Brewster has already been on the senior bench on one occasion, but remained on the sidelines throughout during Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at home to Crystal Palacetowards the end of last season.
The Telegraph also report that Brewster is in line for a new contract when he turns 18 on April 1.

 

[Insignificance]

Wilson get good appraisal for his form with Hull. Maybe he can push for a Place in Senior Squad Next season.