Benfica’s sporting director Rui Costa says that he expects Liverpool’s Lazar Markovic to become a major player in the Premier league. Liverpool recently spent £ 20 million in getting the Serbian international from Benfica. The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football, but clubs have been sceptical about taking him on board due to his injury record in recent seasons. Ahead of the transfer, manager Brendan Rodgers raised the benchmark by saying that Markovic is one of the three players – along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – to have taken him by storm.

Markovic will be coming into a Liverpool team that has just lost Luis Suarez. Hence, the winger is expected to supply ammunition only for the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Ricki Lambert. Markovic recently made his debut for the team against Olympiakos in a friendly match. After having been a star for the Portuguese national team and Fiorentina, Costa knows what it takes to be a success in football. He says that Markovic has all the ingredients to be a star in the future. After finishing second in the Premier League last season, Liverpool have spent close to £ 100 million in improving the squad.

Markovic is expected to be included in the first-team straightaway. “What I will remember most about the transfer is how thankful and emotional he was when we told him Liverpool had met his release clause and that was going to allow him to sign for Liverpool. I believe he will never forget the time he spent with us at Benfica. Markovic is a huge talent and I believe his speed and skills can make a difference in the Premier League. He is not a physical player but he has the ability and the flexibility to escape defenders easily,” said Costa.