Liverpool loanee Marko Grujic is starting to shine at FC Porto, with coach Sergio Conceicao hailing a midfielder with ‘enormous potential’ while speaking to TVI24.
It has taken the Serbia international a while to get going at the reigning Primeira Liga champions but, after a superb performance in a 2-1 cup victory over Tondela, he could soon become a more regular fixture in Conceicao’s starting XI.
Grujic completed a full 90 minutes for only the second time in his Porto career, impressing as the Dragons secured their place in the latter stages of a competition they won as part of a domestic double in 2019/20.
“Grujic is better. He is a player with enormous potential. At the height and physical capacity he has, he is a technically strong player,” former Portugal international Conceicao said, while hailing the youngster’s fine passing range.
Ever the perfectionist, the Porto coach did, of course, have a few words of warning however for a man who is far from the finished article just yet.
“I think he should (move the ball) more quickly. That’s what I’ve been saying to him. Midfielders are essential in the speed of ball movement.
“He must also be aggressive. He is an aggressive player, but what I ask for is this change in behavior when recovering the ball.
“But he is an extremely interesting player.”
Given that Jurgen Klopp is almost the spiritual godfather of ‘gegenpressing’, Grujic could do a lot worse than take Conceicao’s advice on board as he looks to catch the eye of his parent club.
If the former Red Star Belgrade wonder-kid wants to compete with Jordan Henderson and co for a first-team berth next season, adding that ‘aggressive’ streak to his game while honing his defensive diligence is a must.
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