Mo Salah hails Stefan Bajcetic as one of Liverpool’s best players since breaking into the first team

Mohamed Salah has hailed Stefan Bajcetic as Liverpool’s best player since breaking into the first team.

The 18-year-old midfielder starred for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s side registered their first Premier League win of 2023 with a 2-0 victory against Everton at Anfield.

Klopp will be delighted to see two of his forwards, Salah and Cody Gakpo, scoring but it was Bajcetic who stole all the plaudits.

And speaking after the game, Salah joined in on praising the teenager for his contribution to the Liverpool side.

‘He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard. Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going,’ Salah told Sky Sports.

The 18-year-old was influential during Liverpool’s 2-0 win in his Merseyside derby debut

Bajcetic was interviewed alongside Salah by Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win at Anfield

Bajcetic played in a more advanced role than usual ahead of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho – and the fact he kept out the likes of Naby Keita and James Milner shows how highly Klopp regards him. 

After hearing Salah’s words, a humble Bajcetic said: ‘To be fair, I played in a different position, I thought it would be less comfortable but it was good and I enjoyed it a lot. Mo Salah is probably one of the best players ever in Liverpool history so it is nice to hear a legend say that to me.

‘I won more confidence playing at Anfield for a couple of games so I always love a tackle so I combine both and that is good.

‘It was a great game, with the crowd and the derby. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games.

Speaking about his rise to the first team, Bajcetic added: ‘It’s crazy, I was playing Under 18s a year ago and now I am playing at Anfield and that just happened in one year and I am really enjoying it.’

Bajcetic was awarded Man of the Match by Jamie Carragher who was very impressed by the young midfielder’s performance.

‘I’m going to give player of the match to Bajcetic,’ he said. ‘Nunez has been amazing. Salah has been. But for a young man of his age to play in a Merseyside derby and put in the performance he’s done…

‘He’s kept players out who have won Champions Leagues in recent weeks.

‘I wasn’t sure if this was the game for him tonight given the power and physicality of Everton’s midfield but he’s been outstanding. He’s dealt with the demands physically but also his quality on the ball.’

Salah, who was back among the goals, praised Bajcetic for being a great person and player