Grujic: The challenge is so big at Liverpool

Marko Grujic admits that he may have to join another club to continue his career.

The Serbian defensive midfielder was Jürgen Klopp’s first signing as Liverpool manager in January of 2016.

He was coveted by a number of Europe’s top clubs but the Reds swooped in to get their man for around £5 million.

But in that four year period, the 24 year old has made just 14 appearances for the club, and as Liverpool have a number of senior midfielders on their books, they have looked to send Grujic on loan to gain first team experience.

A catalogue of injuries have hindered his progress somewhat, but Grujic himself knows that it is now or never if he wants to make the grade at the senior level.

Even if that means calling time on his Liverpool career.

The Echo (via The Athletic) reported the current Hertha Berlin loanee as saying

“That challenge is so big.

“Those boys have performed so well this season, which I’m happy about. 

“There are a lot of quality midfielders at Liverpool. It’s honestly hard to get a chance.”

“I’m not stupid. I know that Liverpool right now are an unbelievable team, the best team in the world.

"So, I know that I have to be at a very high level if I want to have a chance."

Grujic is right about the level of competition and the odds on him forcing his way into Klopp's plans for next season will be generous, but it wouldn't be wise to use your bet365 bonus on it as the big Serbian has at least six players ahead of him in the pecking order.

When he has got his body right, Grujic has impressed many observers with his quality at Hertha.

There was talk that a permanent deal was in the works at the end of last season but Liverpool wanted to keep him on their books and monitor his progress.

Grujic admits all options are now on the table.

At the age of 24, I’m at the stage when I need to be making important steps in my career. I need to think and I need to be clever about what happens next.

“Is the best thing to stay in Liverpool and wait for a chance or is it time to have another loan or move to another club? 

“At the moment, I don’t know the answer. Everything is still open."

It is refreshing to see a player so realistic about where he is currently placed.

If there to be a continuation to this season, Grujic knows how pivotal the next few months can be to his own career.