Lazar Markovic will become the second most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history if his proposed £25million move from Benfica goes through this week. James Pearce examines what has convinced the Reds to make such a huge investment in the young Serbian winger
As Liverpool FC prepare for life without Luis Suarez, manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping the acquisition of Lazar Markovic can help fill the void.
The 20-year-old winger, who played a starring role as Benfica completed a domestic treble in Portugal last season, is one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
Markovic flourished mainly on the right flank in Portugal but his versatility makes him ideally suited to Rodgers’ fluid attacking system.
He is equally at home on the left or in a central role as a No 10 behind the main striker.
Blessed with great skill and a devastating burst of pace, the 5ft 9ins Serbian is a nightmare for defenders.
His intelligent movement and eye for a pass won him plenty of admirers at the Estadio da Luz but his scoring record was unspectacular with seven goals in 49 appearances in 2013/14.
As well as his talent on the ball, Markovic also earned rave reviews for his tireless work ethic – something which will be crucial at Anfield as Rodgers demands that his side press relentlessly to win back possession.
Markovic, who was born in the Serbian city of Cacak, started his career in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade.
He joined the club at the age of 12 and was part of the highly acclaimed academy which produced the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Matija Nastasic. He progressed through the ranks before making his first-team debut in May 2011.
Markovic was rewarded with his first professional deal and went on to establish himself in the side as Partizan clinched the Serbian title in 2011/12 and 2012/13.
Having captained his country at youth level, Markovic was handed his first senior cap at the age of 17 against Armenia in February 2012. He now boasts two goals in 12 international appearances.
His performances for Partizan attracted interest from scouts across Europe and his classy display against Inter Milan in the Europa League in October 2012 also served to raise his profile.
“Markovic is a player with exceptional qualities,” raved Nerazzurri coach Andrea Stramaccioni.
“He possesses a very impressive acceleration and has a bright future ahead of him.”
Markovic was heavily linked with Chelsea and was even given a tour of Stamford Bridge but it was Benfica who snapped him up for £9million on a five-year contract in June 2013. He had scored 13 goals in 46 appearances for Partizan.
“Benfica play very attacking football that fits nicely with my characteristics,” Markovic said.
“I come from a winning team and this style of play, always looking for goals and victories, fits me. I know we will play in the Champions League so I am very motivated.”
The teenager enjoyed a dream start in Portugal as he netted on his debut against Gil Vicente and further endeared himself to Benfica fans by scoring in the derby against Lisbon rivals Sporting.
As well as clinching the title and both domestic Cups, Benfica also reached the Europa League final but Markovic could play no part in Turin.
His hopes of gracing the showpiece final were dashed by English referee Mark Clattenburg, who gave him his marching orders in the closing stages of a bad-tempered semi-final second leg against Juventus.
Markovic wasn’t even on the pitch at the time having been substituted three minutes later but found himself involved in an ugly touchline bust-up between the benches.
When calm was restored Clattenburg brandished red cards to both Markovic and Juventus substitute Mirko Vucinic.
Benfica clung on to win 2-1 on aggregate and Markovic took to Twitter to protest his innocence but to no avail.
His appeal against the ban was dismissed by UEFA and he was forced to sit and watch as Benfica lost the final on penalties to Sevilla.
One crumb of comfort for Markovic was the fact that UEFA’s technical study group recognised his contribution en route to the final by naming him in its best squad of the 2013/14 Europa League campaign.
Now the youngster who has enjoyed such a rapid rise looks set to cut his ties with Benfica and continue his development at Anfield.
Eyebrows will be raised at the size of the fee for a relatively unproven attacker. But his rich potential is clear.
If Rodgers can do for Markovic what he’s done for the likes of Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling then it will prove to be money well spent.
Taken from The Liverpool Echo -
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/lazar-markovic-who-serbian-rookie-7384441
