Marko Grujic showed he can succeed at Liverpool with fine display against Arsenal

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Liverpool lost out in the EFL Cup last night as Arsenal won on penalties at Anfield, sending Jurgen Klopp’s men out of the competition before the quarter-final stages.

It was a strange game to try and dissect, as both managers made a raft of changes and put out completely different first XI’s to that which we are used to seeing in the Premier League.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp opted to with the likes of Brandon Williams again, while Harry Wilson, Marko Grujic, and Curtis Jones were all given the chance to shine.

And in the main, those players did well. Wilson probed away, while Williams did well at the back and Jones was comfortable with the ball in midfield. However, it was the performance of Grujic that really caught the eye.

In fact, he was so impressive in some of his play that he may well have given Klopp something to think about, amid reports the Reds are going to sell the midfielder before Monday.

Strong and powerful presence

Playing in the middle of a three, Grujic grew as the game went on and was, arguably, the best midfielder on the pitch among both teams.

Dani Ceballos barely got a look in for the Gunners, while Grujic was a constant threat in the Arsenal box, winning countless headers and testing Bernd Leno on more than one occasion.

Liverpool are, of course, trying to sell players to balance the books this summer. Harry Wilson could go, while Rhian Brewster is poised to complete a move to Sheffield United as this is being written.

But Grujic could be on that Klopp may well keep. He was a huge presence last night at Anfield. He was good with the ball, too, while his height and power allowed him to break up play and effect both boxes.

The Reds might have already made their mind up when it comes to Grujic. But in terms of a player putting in a performance to change someone’s mind, the former Hertha Berlin loanee could have done little more.