Is this Liverpool man ideal for Klopp or a Rodgers flop?

Sat 16 July 2016 21:00, UK

Signed in the summer of 2014 by Brendan Rodgers, beating off competition from some of the world’s biggest clubs, there were high expectations of Lazar Markovic when he arrived on Merseyside from Benfica for a fee of £20 million. Two years on, the 22-year-old has so far failed to make an impression, and looks set to leave the club with saying that the club are open to offers for the winger.

Picking up his first cap for Serbia at just 17, Markovic has always had undoubted potential. A quick winger with a neat first touch and pace to burn, he seemed to be exactly what Brendan Rodgers was looking for in the wake of Luis Suarez’s departure to Barcelona. Circumstances didn’t suit the youngster, though, making 15 of his 34 appearances out of position in a wing back role, 6 times on his unfavoured left side. It would be fair to say that Markovic, like so many players under Rodgers, failed to reach his full potential as he was misused by the Northern Irishman.

It seems clear that Markovic was a signing encouraged by the much-debated transfer committee, rather than by Rogers himself, given that he was sent out to Fenerbahce on loan for the 2015/16 season, where a hamstring injury ruled him out from February onwards.

Now back at Melwood, Markovic has the opportunity to impress Jurgen Klopp. On paper, he has all the characteristics required to be a Klopp kind of player. Skilful, quick, creative, the Serbian should fit well into an attacking wide role in a Klopp side. The only question marks that remain are over his desire to provide the work rate required to fit the Klopp style of gegenpressing, and whether he has the top four quality that the German is looking for.

With rumours that Sporting CP could be a potential destination before we’ve reached mid-July, it would seem that Klopp has decided that the winger isn’t for him. It seems surprising, given the short time frame that the manager has had to watch him up close, with such youth and potential on his side, but that could, in fact, be a testament to how far he is from the standard Klopp expects.

There have always been doubts over Markovic’s attitude, famously being sent off in a Europa League semi-final for Benfica for a fight on the touchline after being substituted, and later being sent off at Anfield in the crucial and campaign ending Champions League tie against Basel. One thing that Klopp has made clear during his stint in charge so far is that attitude and work rate will go a long way to earning a place in the side, as the likes of Adam Lallana and Kolo Toure are a testament to.

However, another loan deal this season seems most likely and undoubtedly the most beneficial option for both parties. It would give Markovic another opportunity to develop and reach his potential, perhaps under his former Benfica boss Jorge Jesus at Sporting. Whilst Liverpool are said to be demanding a substantial fee even for a loan move, Markovic has not yet been discarded in the way that Luis Alberto and Mario Balotelli, both omitted from pre-season squads so far, have been.

With such potential, few Liverpool fans want to see the winger leave Liverpool for good just yet, but the frustration of a player not developing as they could only be tolerated by Jurgen Klopp for so long, and whilst he doesn’t seem to have had enough yet, this coming season could be make or break for Markovic in terms of his Anfield career.

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Is this Liverpool man ideal for Klopp or a Rodgers flop?