Lazar Markovic

Lazar Markovic
Personal information
Date of Birth	2 March 1994
Place of Birth	Čačak, FR Yugoslavia
Height	1.75 m (5'9")
Position	Forward
Liverpool statistics
Squad no.	50
Years	2014-
Appearances	23
Goals	2

Lazar Marković (born 2 March 1994) is a Serbian footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool.

Liverpool career

In the wake of their sale of star forward Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Liverpool moved to boost the club's attacking options with the acquisition of highly-rated Benfica youngster Lazar Markovic- although reports suggested that Markovic was a target long before Suarez's departure became apparent. On 15 July 2014, Benfica confirmed the transfer had been concluded for a fee of €25,000,000- approximately £19,800,000. Markovic was co-owned by Benfica (50%) and other third parties, thus Benfica received a €12,500,000 fee. Liverpool are believed to have activated a release clause to procure Markovic, and also to have navigated interest from Chelsea, who reportedly had an agreement with Benfica that gave them an option to buy the player at a reduced fee. Liverpool confirmed the deal soon afterwards. Upon signing, Markovic stated "I am very happy that I have joined such a great club. I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club," before going on to outline his ambitions: "I went to Partizan [Belgrade] and won the title. I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent." Manager Brendan Rodgers labelled the signing as "exciting."

Markovic made his non-competitive debut for the Reds on 27 July 2014, playing the first half of Liverpool's 1-0 friendly win over Olympiakos. Shortly afterwards though he picked up a hamstring injury, that was expected to rule him out of action for up to one month. On 19 August 2014, it was confirmed that Markovic would wear his preferred number 50 shirt for the club. Markovic made his competitive debut on 25 August 2014, coming on as a second half substitute in Liverpool's 3-1 away defeat to Manchester City. Markovic made his first start on 13 September 2014 at home to Aston Villa, however it would not be an occasion to remember as the Reds lost 1-0.

Markovic subsequently struggled to impact the Liverpool team until December 2014. In cameo appearances against Sunderland and Basel on 6 and 9 December 2014 respectively, Markovic produced some promising, confident displays in contrast to his timid performances earlier in the season. However, against Basel, Markovic was shown a red card for throwing his hand out towards Basel player Behrang Safari. Although there was minimial contact, Markovic was sent off for intent, but manager Brendan Rodgers was later scathing in his assessment of the referee's decision.

On 17 December 2014, Markovic started Liverpool's League Cup quarter final tie away to Championship leaders Bournemouth. Markovic produced a fine display in which he first produced an impressive cross that led to Raheem Sterling's first goal, and then scored his first goal for Liverpool with a neat half-volley from the edge of the area.

Markovic scored his first Premier League goal on 10 January 2015, scoring the only goal of Liverpool's away tie with Sunderland. In the 8th minute of the match, Markovic collected the ball from Fabio Borini, forced his way through the Sunderland defence before prodding past Costel Pantilimon. Markovic also struck the crossbar with an impressive long range volley that he caught whilst in mid-air, and went on to pick up the man of the match award. Afterwards, Brendan Rodgers and vice captain Jordan Henderson were effervescent in their praise of Markovic and the improvements in his form after the quiet start to his Liverpool career.

Stats

Season	League		FA Cup		League Cup		Europe		Other		Total
	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
2014-15	13	1	1	0	5	1	4	0	0	0	23	2
Total	13	1	1	0	5	1	4	0	0	0	23	2