Whilst the biggest signing of Liverpool’s summer so far has no doubt been Sadio Mane, it is another Liverpool newcomer that is gaining the plaudits from football fans.
Young Marko Grujic has burst onto the scene at Liverpool, becoming the side's standout player so far in pre-season.
He joined the club in fairly innocuous circumstances back in January, with very little fanfare and many Liverpool fans knew very little about him… but that has all changed now.
In fact, some fans are even suggesting that Grujic might be a better prospect than any of Liverpool’s transfers this summer.
Here are FIVE reasons why the young Serbianmay outshine all of Liverpool’s summer buys...
Quick Start
To begin with, there is a reason why every Liverpool fan has become aware of his name in recent weeks. Since he joined the club, he has been absoloutely unstoppable.
He has scored two goals in four games, which on its own is impressive; but even more than that his general play has been absolutely flawless.
Many expected him to start slowly as he adjusts to a new life in a new country, as will likely be the case with many of the club's other signings; but there is no sign of that with Grujic.
He has taken to English football like a duck to water.
Age
On top of that, although it is very hard to believe – Marko Grujic is still just 20.
At that age players are expected to be making the occasional first-team appearance, and more often than not being sent down to lower leagues to perfect their game as they develop.
Grujic is showing no signs of wanting to take it slow; he has done everything right so far to warrant a fair opportunity in the Liverpool first team.
He has been the standout player amongst a team of experienced Liverpool stars, despite being just 20, and so the future looks very bright for the young midfielder.
Low Cost, High Potential
You would expect that such a talented youngster would attract a high transfer fee; but that is not the case with young Marko.
The Reds managed to bag him for the paltry sum of just £5.1 million; which in today's climate is an absolute steal.
In an age where players like Paul Pogba are being sold for £100m, Grujic looks like a real bargain.
In fact, Liverpool fans have marveled in the comparison between Grujic and Pogba, with many suggesting that the Reds have got a better player for a fraction of the cost, as you can see below.
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Style of Play
Another impressive aspect of Grujic is simply his style of play.
Of course we have already noted his scoring record, bagging two goals in his first four Liverpool games, but perhaps more impressive is how he commands the ball on the field.
He possess a tall strong frame, perfect for the Premier League, though that does not limit his technical ability.
Able to spray balls forward and dribble with pace, he has drawn parallels with Yaya Toure for his presence on the field.
To get such a gleaming comparison at the age of just 20 definitely means that this kid is special.
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Fan Support
An important factor in the success of any player long term comes from the support he receives from the fans – and despite being a recently signed Red; Grujic is already a fan favourite.
Liverpool have been crying out for a box-to-box style midfielder, and the passion and determination that he shows on the field have already endeared him to much of the Liverpool faithful.
He has a long way to go to prove himself as an Anfield great; but his opening weeks as a Liverpool player have been near faultless.
The Liverpool faithful are on his side; now he just needs to convince Klopp that he is ready.
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