One of the more unusual suggestions to emerge ahead of the new season has been the possibility of Stefan Bajčetić being used as an emergency right-back.
However, according to Ian Doyle, Liverpool supporters shouldn’t expect to see that happen any time soon.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Doyle said:
“The prospect of him featuring as a potential right-back for Liverpool is a long way off.”
For me, that’s exactly the right call.
Liverpool Tried That Last Season
One of the biggest frustrations under the previous regime was seeing natural midfielders repeatedly deployed at right-back.
Both Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones found themselves filling in there at various points last season.
While both players gave everything for the team, it was clear neither was playing in their strongest position.
Liverpool lost quality in midfield while failing to solve the problem at full-back.
It often felt like a compromise that weakened two positions at once.
Bajčetić Is a Midfielder
Stefan Bajčetić’s strengths are well known.
He excels because of his:
- Positional intelligence.
- Calmness under pressure.
- Ball-winning ability.
- Progressive passing.
- Ability to control the tempo of a game.
Those are the qualities of a deep-lying midfielder.
They are not the qualities Liverpool should be trying to adapt to right-back unless absolutely necessary.
After everything Bajčetić has gone through with injuries, he needs stability—not another positional experiment.
Iraola Needs Specialists
One thing Andoni Iraola has made very clear is that Liverpool still require more defensive depth.
The club continue to be linked with full-backs and defenders, suggesting the coaching staff recognise the importance of having natural players in those positions.
If Liverpool need another right-back, the solution should be to sign one—not ask another midfielder to fill the role.
Learn From Last Season
Supporters accepted players like Szoboszlai and Jones stepping in because the squad was stretched.
But nobody wants to see that become a regular feature again.
Liverpool are trying to build a team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.
That means having specialists in specialist positions.
Bajčetić has enough work to do establishing himself in midfield without being moved elsewhere.
Let Him Focus on What He Does Best
After finally returning to full fitness, this season feels like a huge opportunity for the young Spaniard.
He has the talent to become an important player for Liverpool for many years.
The priority should be helping him rediscover the form that made him one of the club’s brightest prospects—not asking him to learn a completely different role.
The Right Decision
I completely agree with Ian Doyle.
Liverpool should resist the temptation to turn Stefan Bajčetić into another makeshift right-back.
They tried similar solutions last season.
They weren’t ideal.
This summer should be about correcting those issues—not repeating them.
Let Bajčetić develop as the midfielder he was signed to become.
Liverpool will be a much stronger team because of it.
Source: @IanDoyleSport via @LivEchoLFC
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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