When Barcelona announced that they have signed Luis Suarez, most Liverpool fans left bewildered by how fast their star player managed to leave the club.

Before his infamous ‘bite’ on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, the Anfield faithful were talking up a title challenge and that with Suarez leading the line only a few things needed fixing before Liverpool became a great team again.

But now it feels like they’re in need of rebuilding, despite having made three major signings in Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, and Emre Can.

Lazar Markovic from Benfica looks likely to be their fourth signing and he could be the one to soften the pain of losing Luis Suarez.

Here are FIVE REASONS to be excited about this new Liverpool signing.

 

Lazar Markovic

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5. Style of Play

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Brendan Rodgers is a huge fan of the 4-3-3, and last season used it to great success with Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling as the top three. The trio would exchange positions when attacking, and it was extremely difficult to defend against.

Markovic is perfect for the system, as he's able to play in all three attacking positions. Naturally a right-winger, the Serbian can drift into the middle or play on the left.

4. Work Ethic

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Now a trait that is becoming more common in attacking players, Markovic is an extremely hard worker and is what is required in Rodgers’ pressing style of play.

Once Liverpool lose the ball, the Reds will hustle until they get it back, something that attacking players were not always trained to do. Markovic doesn’t need the training, he’ll slot right in and contribute defensively.

3. Fantastic Technique

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Markovic is known for his fantastic dribbling ability. The now former Benfica man is quick, tricky, and full of drive. It will be difficult with this type of player running at your defence, and it will create space which team-mates can exploit.

His touches also ooze class, the same feeling when you see Dmitar Berbatov pull the ball down from the air, and he's a decent finisher. He will be a joy to watch for any neutral, let alone Reds fans.

2. Markovic is only 20

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Along with Emre Can, Liverpool now seem as if they are buying class talent for the future in Markovic. If any of his performances with Benfica can be repeated in front of the Anfield faithful, then Luis Suarez might just become a distant memory.

And at just 20 he already has four league trophies: Three Serbian League titles and last season’s Portuguese Primera Liga. He is no stranger to competition, and his desire to win will be a big boost to Liverpool.

1. Markovic has the X factor

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Markovic has that ‘spark’. He may not be scoring 20 or so goals in his youth, but the starlet has the ability to break down stubborn defences and be the player a team turns to when they need an answer.

There is a reason Liverpool paid £19.8 million for a youngster. Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, during his time at Markovic’s first club Partizan Belgrade, stated that the Serbian is “one of the best players I’ve ever seen after Ronaldo and Messi.” There is no compliment greater than that in today’s world of football, and Markovic could light up the Premier League for years to come.