LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 6, 2016: Liverpool's Marko Grujic celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Barcelona during the International Champions Cup match at Wembley Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Marko Grujic named on shortlist for European Golden Boy award for 2016

Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has been named on the 40-man shortlist for the European Golden Boy award for 2016.

The 20-year-old signed for the Reds in January, but spent the rest of the 2015/16 back on loan with Red Star Belgrade, helping his boyhood club win the Serbian SuperLiga.

Grujic has since joined up with his new team-mates, and has so far made three appearances under Jurgen Klopp.

This included his first start in September’s 3-0 victory away to Derby County in the League Cup third round, as well as his Anfield debut in the 5-1 win over Hull City in the Premier League.

The Serbia international in poised for a bright future on Merseyside, and this was acknowledged as he was named among Europe’s elite young talent in the shortlist for the European Golden Boy award for 2016.

The award, founded by Italian publication Tuttosport, is now voted for by newspapers around the continent, including the Times, l’Equipe, Bild and Marca.

Grujic is one of 10 players from the Premier League to be included, alongside Andreas Christensen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (both Chelsea), Leroy Sane, Kelechi Iheanacho, Olivier Ntcham (all Manchester City), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Demarai Gray (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Alex Iwobi (Arsenal).

Mahmoud Dahoud, Borussia Monchengladbach (Picture by: John Walton / EMPICS Sport)

Liverpool target Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) is also included, as well as the previously rumoured Ruben Neves (FC Porto) and Ante Coric (Dinamo Zagreb).

Last year, Jordon Ibe and Divock Origi were both named in the shortlist, with United’s Anthony Martial eventually winning the award,

In 2014, Origi, Lazar Markovic and Raheem Sterling were all included, with the latter named Golden Boy following an emphatic 2013/14 campaign.

Sterling is the only Liverpool player to ever win the award, and Grujic’s chances of adding to that seem slim at this stage, despite his six goals and seven assists for Red Star last season.

But the midfielder will be buoyed by his inclusion, and Liverpool can cherish this preeminent talent in their midst.

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