Marko Grujic Eager to Learn from “Some of the Best”

Marko Grujic, the 20-year-old midfielder who arrived at Anfield over the summer from Red Star Belgrade, was one of Liverpool’s stars of pre-season. Some had even begun to talk about him being a player who could make a difference for the club this season. So far, though, he hasn’t made an impact during the league season.

There’s still plenty of time for that to change, of course, and given his age and promise that he’s not already a nailed-on starter is hardly cause for concern. And for Grujic, there is a realisation that he has taken a big step up coming from the Serbian league to England, and that becoming a regular could take a little bit of time.

“It was hard in pre-season, especially for me because I have come from Serbia and our work here is at a higher level,” Grujic told the club’s official magazine when asked about his continuing efforts to adjust to a new club in a new country. “The running and exercises are harder and I’m still learning, but I’m sure I will adapt.”

His pre-season efforts showed clear promise, and few who watched him during Liverpool’s preparations for the 2016-17 season will be in any doubt as to whether or not Grujic will adapt given time. It just might take that little bit of time. It’s good, though, to see that the player is approaching things with a positive attitude.

“For the first season I just want to learn from these guys,” he added. “I have the big pleasure of playing with some of the best footballers in the world. I want to get some minutes and games to try and improve myself for the future. I think next season will be the one where I show what I can do.”