‘Joy to watch’: Pep Lijnders says 18-year-old Liverpool youngster has caught his eye in first-team training

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The Carabao Cup may give Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the opportunity to play some of his talented youngsters tomorrow.

Given their current position in the Premier League, the Carabao Cup offers Liverpool one of their best chances of silverware this season.

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders addressed the media, via The Liverpool Echo, ahead of tomorrow’s game.

The Reds host League One side Derby County at Anfield in their final midweek match before the World Cup.

Despite only having two matches left before much of his squad gets an extended break, Klopp will still be tempted to rotate tomorrow.

He may give an opportunity to 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic tomorrow, who Lijnders says has been great in training.

Bajcetic arrived at Liverpool from Celta Vigo in January last year to join the academy.

However, he’s risen through the ranks at a rapid pace, and is now an established member of the first team squad.

Bajcetic has been great in training

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s cup tie, Lijnders said: “Stefan is someone who’s a joy to watch.

“He has all the characteristics that we search for as a midfield player.

“He’s young, hungry, shows every day in training that he’s ready.

“I cannot say if he starts or not but we will see tomorrow.

“Sometimes the academy gives you a present and he is one of them.”

Bajcetic has been in every Champions League matchday squad this season, and made his league debut against Bournemouth.

He came on against Ajax last month for his European debut, impressing captain Jordan Henderson in the process.

A report from The Liverpool Echo suggested that Liverpool coaches think Bajcetic is way ahead of schedule in his development.

The fact that Lijnders thinks he’s been so good in first-team training shows that playing with world-class stars every day is having a great effect on him.

Bajcetic might be award his first senior start tomorrow, and the midfielder – who can play as a full-back – would have thoroughly deserved it.

Bajcetic is another young player for the fans at Anfield to get very excited about.