Can Hull City become Lazar Markovic’s big break?

Will Lazar Markovic resurrect his career at Hull? / Image via o-post.com

I still remember Markovic in his early Liverpool days with his head bowed and his hair covering most of his face brimming with a little boy’s innocence and anxiety.

Brendan Rodgers spoke at the time of the Serbian winger being one of the humblest players he has ever worked with as Markovic went on to dazzle with his work-rate and commitment in training. What he failed to dazzle with were his poor performances for the Reds, which never quite allowed him to showcase the colourful array of talent and skill he displayed during his time at Benfica.

Failed expectations

Quick on the ball with his pacey runs down the line, Lazar Markovic was quick to grab his Benfica chance with both hands. Under the guidance of Jorge Jesus the Serbian became a lethal weapon, able to pierce forward, create opportunities for his teammates and solve the games on his own.

Flair and visual appeal were the main traits which recommended him to Liverpool, who were at the time looking for a star-potential replacement for Luis Suarez.

It took only 34 games in a Liverpool shirt for Lazar Markovic to go from an exciting prospect to a flop – whose days as a Reds player have long been numbered. The Serbia international struggled to cope with the pressure of the Premier League and humble nature did the winger a favour in hindering his progress at Anfield.

Apparent lack of self-confidence and self-belief resulted in mere three goals in a red shirt for the player who was meant to add an exciting edge to the Liverpool attack line.

Loans abroad did not help

He had been gone for only one year, but Markovic will think of it as an eternity.

First Fenerbahce and then Sporting proved to be wrong choices for the 22-year-old, who replaced the glamourous Premier League world for the two of Europe’s less extravagant competitions.

His 20 appearances for the Turkish outfit were not remotely enough to convince Fenerbahce of his undeniable talents, whereas the reunion with Jorge Jesus at Sporting CP was meant to revive his career and get Markovic back on Liverpool’s radar.

The Serbian winger was forced to deal with angry fans who were disappointed with Markovic discarding his Benfica legacy to sign for the bitter rivals and, what is worse, his apparent sacrifice was only made worse and difficult to understand with Markovic failing to establish himself with the Portugal giants.

Sent away from Portugal with whistles from Sporting CP fans as well, Markovic’s fall from grace is truly a remarkable one.

The last chance

Two goals in 14 appearances for Sporting is all that remains behind in Markovic’s Sporting CP trail, as the Serbian starlet looks determined to get his career back on track.

Although Hull City might seem like just another one in the series of wrong decisions, Markovic’s move to KCOM Stadium might still turn out to be beneficial for the Serbian.

Former Estoril manager Marco Silva is familiar with Markovic’s talent and his decision to recruit the Liverpool’s failed investment could prove vital in Hull’s attempts to avoid relegation.

Markovic is not exactly the player who will thrive under pressure – at least that is what experience and history teach us – but given the fact that he is currently standing at the crossroads of his young professional career, Markovic might as well be the thing Tigers need in the trenches for their battle against relegation.

Premier League can be a brutal place for young footballers, especially for those coming from less prominent surroundings, but the Serbian should be praised for his determination to make it work despite the whistles from Benfica and Sporting CP fans, and for Klopp’s utter ignorance of Markovic’s existence.

Move long overdue

His move to Hull City is six months overdue as the Serbian should have accepted the same proposal at the beginning of the season. Still, Markovic is relying on the good old proverb which argues that ‘it is never too late’.

Contrary to Jurgen Klopp’s pressing tactics which do not suit Markovic’s talents, Marco Silva’s propensity to tactics which rely on soaking up pressure and catching opponents on the break could ultimately allow Markovic to maximise the use of his speed and flair on the wings, where he feels most comfortable.

Hull City are playing Manchester United on Thursday in the EFL Cup semi-final return leg and Lazar Markovic could be thrown into fire just days after his arrival.

The Tigers are available at huge 6/1 to stun the Red Devils and it could be up to Markovic to try and add value to the betting odds on the hosts in one of the final test of his credentials.

Could he?