Grujic: Hearing YNWA for real gave me goosebumps
Marko Grujic had done his studies on the Anfield atmosphere before moving to Liverpool but the midfielder was still left awestruck by his first experience of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
The 20-year-old started the EFL Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur on home soil in October as the Reds beat their Premier League rivals to reach the quarter-finals.
As well as a first opportunity to play a full match at the stadium and a chance to test himself against top-class opposition, the occasion gave Grujic a real-life taste of something he had previously watched on video many times – the club’s anthem.
“The feeling is 10 times better,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I know the fans try to be better and better from game to game. I know they are our 12th player. They give us a special force and push us forward. It’s important for every player on the pitch.
“I watched many videos of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ on YouTube, but this was the first time I felt it [in person]. I was very impressed – goosebumps.”
The recruit from Red Star Belgrade quickly blocked out the surroundings to put in an assured performance during the tie with Spurs.
Jürgen Klopp made 11 changes to his team that night, with Grujic among the young players trusted to step up, and was rewarded with an impressive result.
But while the No.16 was satisfied with his showing, he insisted there is plenty of room for improvement as his debut season progresses.
He added: “It was a nice game and a nice moment for me, a first [home] start against a very strong team in Tottenham who played very well.
“Of course, I will try to improve my skills. Maybe before the game I had a little bit of pressure, but that’s normal before games like that.
“I felt good after the game and had positive comments from the coaches. But I know that I can do much better.”