Marko Grujic – Cardiff City
Crossing the border in search of a loan spell, Marko Grujic has joined Championship high-flyers, Cardiff City until the end of the season. His debut at the weekend got off to an uncomfortable start, when he was booked just seven minutes after the first whistle, for a late challenge. As described by the Cardiff Twitter feed, he had a promising debut as he played nicely in the middle of his new team-mates. Grujic almost bagged himself a goal in the first-half, but his nicely-struck shot from 25-yards was tipped round the post. We’ll expect to see more of the Serbian throughout the rest of the season, as Cardiff could be “financially punished” if he doesn’t make at least 14 league appearances.
Matty Virtue – Notts County
Matty Virtue started his first home game for Notts County and was impressive throughout. Although he eventually ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline, Virtue looked dangerous going forward and extremely comfortable when helping out defensively. His best moment came just after the break, when he sent the ball across the face of goal which was just crying out for a teammate to tap home. He was subbed off in the 62 minute, but had already proven why he is such an exciting prospect.
Pedro Chirivella – Willem II
Willem II avoided defeat in their first game back after the winter break. Pedro Chirivella picked up his second assist of the season by calmly laying the ball off for teammate Ismail Azzaoui, who slotted the ball home with just 19 minutes remaining. This equalising goal meant that the game with FC Groningen ended 1-1, and Willem II remain at 14th in the Eredivisie.
Connor Randall – Hearts
Hearts edged past Hibernian in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, thanks to an 87th-minute winner. Connor Randall played the entirety of the match at right back and quietly went about his business, keeping the Hibs forwards under control and securing the clean sheet. Randall has been excellent during his time with Hearts, especially since his switch back to his natural position. Although a future with Liverpool still remains unclear, Randall has the potential for a very promising career, wherever he ends up.
Allan Rodrigues – Apollon Limassol
Allan made his 16th appearance in the Cypriot First Division during the Limassol derby, which saw Apollon end up as 1-0 victors over Aris. The victory means that Apollon are still unbeaten under league conditions. Although Allan’s stats don’t suggest that he has been setting the world alight, he has been putting on consistent displays and his new club and has been offering a level of solidity in their midfield.
Divock Origi – Wolfsburg
Germany hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool loanees this year, with Ryan Kent returning home early from his spell with SC Freiburg. Divock Origi has been continuing this trend as his recent performances with Wolfsburg have been nothing short of dire. During the 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt, Origi managed just three shots, none of which ended up troubling the ‘keeper and failed to look dangerous for any period of time. The 22-year-old has now gone the last nine competitive matches without finding the back of the net, during which he has been booked three times.
Taiwo Awoniyi – Royal Excel Mouscron
Royal Excel Mouscron started their 2018 with a disappointing loss, as they were bested 2-0 by Sporting Charleroi. Awoniyi made it six league games in a row without a goal and has netted just four times in the 20 league appearances he has made for the Belgian side.
Following a run of average and underwhelming performances, Sheyi Ojo found himself left out of the Fulham team that trounced Burton Albion 6-0. Ojo will be desperate to make a mark in the coming weeks in order to get his loan spell back on track. Elsewhere, Corey Whelan (Yeovil Town) and Ryan Kent (Bristol City) were unused subs for their respective sides.
