Marko Grujic: the key to Hertha's top-six hopes

Described by his coach - and 22-year veteran of Hertha - Pal Dardai as “by far the best midfielder I've seen in my time at the club”, Grujic’s impact on the side is undeniable.

Two separate ankle injuries have restricted the 22-year-old to just 11 of his side's 21 Bundesliga outings this term, and the difference in their results with and without him is night and day. Hertha have lost just once with Grujic in the side, winning seven and drawing the other three matches featuring their Serbian puppeteer. Compare that to just one win, four draws and five defeats in 10 matches without the Liverpool loanee, and his importance becomes obvious.

While he operates largely in his favoured No.6 role, Grujic has also been deployed as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced central position. It is testament to the Belgrade native's versatility and broad skill set, which has helped him slip into life in the German capital with surprising ease.

Watch: Grujic talks Berlin life and his European ambitions

Grujic has often been compared to “good friend” and fellow countryman Matic, with the youngster saying he can “learn a lot” from the Manchester United midfielder. Having already made eight international appearances, the Hertha star has made no secret of his desire to share duties in the centre of the pitch for Serbia alongside his former Red Star Belgrade teammate.

It’s more than likely the duo will end up doing just that - and at 6’3” and 6’4” respectively, Grujic and Matic would make for an imposing partnership. The former's height has been a key component in Hertha’s attempts to win the ball back this season, and he has come out on top of 62 per cent of 61 aerial battles in his 11 Bundesliga outings. That return teeters over those of fellow midfield enforcers Javi Martinez (61%), Axel Witsel (60%) and Kevin Kampl (50%).

It underlines Grujic’s love of combat, a notion further highlighted by the fact that he has won 55 per cent of his challenges, which average 25 a game. Again, both numbers hold up well against the established trio mentioned above; Martinez averages 23 per game and wins 57 per cent of his duels, Witsel 16.5 and 60, Kampl 17 and 52. For someone enjoying their first full season in one of Europe’s major leagues, it is some achievement to be keeping pace with and even bettering those names.

Watch: Grujic got the only goal as Hertha edged Eintracht Frankfurt in December

While Grujic is fond of a tackle, the Serb is far from just a ball-winner; he is as artful in his playmaking as he is biting in his defensive duties. So far this season, he has completed 88 per cent of his 349 passes, a similar ratio to that of Kai Havertz and Thomas Delaney that betters the likes of Kampl (85%), Maximilian Arnold (83%) and Nabil Bentaleb (81%).

Teammates Fabian Lustenberger (92%) and Arne Maier (90%) complete an even greater number of passes than Grujic, the triumvirate creating a Hertha spine that takes great care over retaining possession of the ball. It is clearly a key component of the Dardai formula, which centres on Hertha playing the ball out from the back and through Grujic and Maier.

It is little wonder then that Dardai rates Grujic so highly, and his temporary recruit's two goals and one assist also represent a solid return, especially considering the two injury layoffs that have disrupted his campaign. With greater playing time, more top-flight experience and a sustained injury-free period, those numbers are sure to shoot up.

Watch this space, because you haven't heard the last of Hertha's rising Serbian star.