| ASTRIT AJDAREVIC PROFILE
by Dave Usher
Date of Birth - 17/04/90
Nationality - Swedish
Position - Midfielder
Intnl Hons - Sweden u17 |
Paddy Berger lookalike Astrit joined the reds' Academy in January 2007 after impressing during an earlier trial period. Liverpool beat off strong interest from Manchester United to secure the services of the elegant midfield player, who although born in Kosovo, grew up in Sweden.
His first appearance for the club came as a half time substitute in the FA Youth Cup tie with Reading, and he made an immediate impression, catching the eye with his ability to keep possession and make the play.
The similarities with Berger are not just confined to his looks. He walks like him, jogs like him, and runs like him. He's all left foot too, just like the popular Czech. He doesn't have Berger's explosive shooting power, but then very few have.
Astrit played a major role in the reds youth cup success, but heartbreakingly missed the first leg of the final against Manchester United at Anfield, after he was sent off for what looked an accidental elbow on a Newcastle player in the semi final 2nd leg. He returned for the 2nd leg, and played his part in an impressive victory to help his side retain the trophy.
His second season at the club didn't go anywhere near as well. He started well enough, catching the eye with some cultured performances as the u18s started the season in great form, but after the turn of the year his performances mirrored that of the team and he endured a miserable time.
Surprisingly, he was informed by the club that he was surplus to requirements and that if he could find a new club he could leave, despite having a year left on his Liverpool contract.
