NewsStefan Bajcetic wins Standard Chartered Men's Player of the Month

The 18-year-old takes January's prize for his trio of impressive appearances for Liverpool during the period, all of which were starts.

Bajcetic finished first in our poll on Liverpoolfc.com – just ahead of Harvey Elliott and Thiago Alcantara – and was presented with the trophy at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday.

The midfielder said: "I'm very happy, very pleased and thankful to the fans, to the players and to the staff as well – and obviously to my family and my friends, my girlfriend, they all help a lot.

"Since I stepped into the first team they've [the fans] been very supportive to me. I am very happy. I enjoy playing here, this season has been amazing for me – probably the best season ever. Hopefully I can stay here [for] many years."

January also saw Bajcetic enjoy another milestone in his breakthrough season, signing a new long-term contract with the Reds.

He continued: "It's crazy, if you will tell me two months ago I wouldn't believe it. It's happened – so, I guess I have to believe it!

"I spent pre-season and the whole season [in the senior squad]. So now I'm more confident with the players out of the pitch and in the pitch as well.

"At the moment, I'm in my most confident [period] this season because [I've] been playing now with some games – I feel very confident about [it]. I think I'm showing now what I can do."

Standard Chartered Men's Player of the Month 2022-23

• January: Stefan Bajcetic
• December: Mohamed Salah
• November: Darwin Nunez
• October: Alisson Becker
• August/September: Harvey Elliott