"He was exceptional" - Klopp praises Liverpool star for Chelsea performance as "rare positive"

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the performance of star prospect Stefan Bajcetic after their 0-0 draw against Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday.

Neither side could find the back of the net in an encounter where both had a lot to play for given their poor positions in the Premier League table.

Both still have a good opportunity to secure European football next season but it's a tight contest with just one point separating eighth and 11th place.

Despite not being able to find the back of the net, Klopp took positives from the draw and particularly highlighted the performance of youngster Bajcetic.

He said: "There are not a lot of good things in the situation we are in, but obviously that opens doors and gaps and situations for young players. It is obviously one of the rare positive things, especially Stefan.

"There was a door, I'm not even sure it was open, but he ran through it and he was exceptional."

A bright future for Bajcetic

Liverpool's issues in midfield have provided Bajcetic with an opportunity to show what he is capable of and he's made no mistake in proving his talents to his manager and the fans.

He was voted the Reds player of the match in their FA Cup replay against Wolves and impressed yet again against Chelsea making a big claim for a regular place in the side.

However, Klopp was keen to stress that they need to be careful and not take too many risks with the 18-year-old.

He said: "He does really well in the moment, I think that’s clear. We have to be a bit careful with him of course, he's really young.

"He had a yellow card and I don’t even know [if] it was his fault, to be 100 per cent honest, but he got a yellow card, so of course he got tired, but [he] was still really good in the game.

"Each player when he gets tired and is on a yellow card is a risk, and we didn't want to take that. But, no, he is doing really well."

The Reds will be hoping he can solve their issues in the short term and help them potentially qualify for the Champions League next season.

If they manage to finish in the top four then it will allow them greater leverage when trying to persuade big names to join the club in the summer.