Yes, Lazar Markovic really is a Liverpool player still.

It's now been four years since the Serbian midfielder moved to Anfield and he's barely played regular first-team football since his debut season under Brendan Rodgers.

Markvoic made 34 appearances and scored three goals, but it wasn't enough to secure his place at Liverpool and he's spent time on loan at Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Hull and Anderlecht ever since.

However, Liverpool were unable to secure a permanent exit for him this summer with an Anderlecht switch falling through at the last minute.

The 24-year-old took to Twitter after the deal collapsed, telling Anderlecht: “Thank you for making such a great effort for trying to get me back in the club.

Markovic failed to leave Liverpool

“However, money was not the issue !!!!! Good luck in the future 💜@rscanderlecht."

There's every reason to suggest Markovic will wave goodbye to Liverpool when he gets the opportunity, but he's been forced to tick over in the youth ranks ever since.

Liverpool fans have been tracking his progress in the under 23 side and were worried by his return performance in a clash with Arsenal back in September.

Since then, however, updates on Markovic have been few and far between, leaving supporters wondering how he's faring at the club.

Markovic's impact with the U23

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all to score vs Huddersfield (7/1)*

Well, Liverpool U23 coach Neil Critchley has now opened up on his impact in the youth ranks with the Liverpool Echo claiming he's made a 'huge impact.'

"Lazar has been training with us for a while now and I've got to say he's been brilliant to work with,” Critchley said to the Echo.

“We've enjoyed having him around and he's been great with the young lads.

“He's humble, he listens to what's asked of him and he's been professional. He gets on well with the other players. He played as a centre-forward against Arsenal and on the right wing against West Brom.

“We don't know how long he will be with us. Eventually, I'm sure his career will go on a different path but while he's here we want everyone to benefit.”

Respect to Markovic.

What next for Markovic?

He could have easily taken his foot off the gas and cruised his way to a January exit, but he's shown his true professionalism by remaining modest and helping the younger players.

Although Markovic never set Anfield alight, the advice of a former Liverpool first-teamer will still be invaluable to the most exciting youngsters at the club.

It's an example to other professionals who have been pushed down to the youth ranks and no doubt Liverpool will be very grateful for his behaviour.

However, it's doubtful that Markovic has done enough to save his Liverpool career and it will take more than humility to turn the head of Jurgen Klopp again.

But at least he's leaving Liverpool in classy fashion.

Do you think Markovic is good enough for the Premier League? Have your say in the comments section below.

*Odds subject to change