Grujic: Debut was 'incredible' but there's more to come
Marko Grujic described a winning competitive debut for Liverpool as an 'incredible night' for him, but has vowed to keep working hard in order to ensure he becomes a Reds regular this term.
The 20-year-old made his bow as Derby County were defeated 3-0 at the iPro Stadium in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, earning praise from Jürgen Klopp for his performance alongside Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson in midfield.
After the match, the manager said of his young charge: "Marko had a wonderful debut - really good. He is a wonderfully skilled player."
Reflecting on that significant personal milestone, Grujic told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was an incredible night for me, making my first competitive start and a first win.
"It was a good game, a 3-0 against Derby, they are a good team.
"We played well and I want to say thank you to all the fans who travelled away, it was a nice atmosphere."
LFCTV GO: Subscribers can see highlights of Grujic's performance against the Rams above
But the midfielder won't let a maiden run-out go to his head, and knows he still has a long way to go to acclimatise fully to the demands of football in England.
Grujic revealed that he is already putting in the extra hours at Melwood so that he is better prepared for the physical strains of life in the Premier League.
"I had a good pre-season and then I have been on the bench but I'm still learning and adapting to English football," he added.
"Every day, I try to be better and better and I think my debut was a solid game.
"I will try to continue learning and working hard and I'm sure that I will get a chance again. [I try] to make myself physically [better] and every day I work with the staff.
"I'm still a young guy, one of the youngest in the squad, and I will be better and better."
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The former Red Star Belgrade starlet isn't facing the test of adapting to a new club alone, either, with teammate Dejan Lovren always on hand to offer advice.
"It was easier when I came and met Dejan and he explained everything about the city, the club, and the fans," he continued.
"He's a wonderful guy who helps me whenever I speak with him. And he has played very well at the start of the season so it's nice to have him next to me."