There was a fair amount of excitement when Marko Grujic agreed loan terms with Cardiff City in January. Most of it actually came from Merseyside rather than South Wales.

Liverpool fans were eager to see Grujic do well with Cardiff and eventually fulfill the potential that initially had compelled Jürgen Klopp to sign him from Red Star Belgrade in 2016.

Cardiff fans too were excited to see a player of such pedigree and promise join Neil Warnock's side. Given the long-term injury to Aron Gunnarsson, Grujic's arrival was welcomed with open arms.

Now, having opened his Bluebirds goalscoring account with a beautiful strike against Barnsley, it's time to take stock of Grujic's loan spell...

What has he done well?

Warnock revealed shortly after signing Grujic that an agreement had been made with Liverpool to ensure the 21-year-old plays 14 games or more. Otherwise Cardiff would be hit with a financial penalty.

The good news for all concerned is Grujic has been a regular presence in the centre of midfield, missing just one game since joining the club, and looking every inch the physical specimen who can cope with Championship football.

He has brought a semblance of control and composure to a Cardiff midfield that can be frenetic.

Warnock's team certainly isn't short of willing runners, so Grujic offers variety to the relentless running of Joe Ralls and Craig Bryson. He's happy to sit deep and try and dictate the game.

His 20-yard goal wasn't the only thing that marked the 2-1 win over Barnsley. Because it was when Grujic was withdrawn that the Bluebirds' midfield suddenly looked rushed and overwhelmed. The Serbian also won plaudits for his display in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, a more adventurous attacking performance.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Grujic's most significant contributions this season, however, have been defensive. In terms of positioning, he has looked more natural in defensive midfield — despite reports that he's more comfortable in an attacking role — and has expertly screened the back four.

What could improve?

Grujic's more languid style and inexperience has made him something of a target for the opposition press.

That has meant he's occasionally rushed into wayward passes and his distribution is the one area that might improve. Against Millwall, in Cardiff's 1-1 draw in early February, Grujic looked perturbed by the hosts' hurly-burly style and was eventually replaced.

It may be a harsh criticism on a 21-year-old midfielder with only eight substitute appearances for Liverpool in British football hitherto. But Grujic came to Cardiff to grow as a player. There's no doubt that's happening under Warnock's stewardship.

(Image: PA)

What do the fans think?

Tuesday night's 20-year pearler that proved the winning goal against Barnsley has certainly advanced the case for Grujic among the Cardiff faithful, despite one or two early fears.

It is still early days of course, but a memorable Cardiff City Stadium goal can help loan stars etch their name into Bluebirds folklore. And if promotion is achieved this term, Grujic will surely be fondly remembered.

Filling Gunnarsson's shoes in the Welsh capital is no easy task, but Grujic speaks well when interviewed and seems to have built a good rapport with supporters.

With some crucial games to come in the promotion race, fans will feel confident in the youngster's ability to hold his own.

So, has he been a good addition?

In a word, yes.

There's certainly the raw materials to comprise a quality midfield player. Grujic is learning with every Cardiff performance and will surely only get better.

Warnock wanted to sign Adam Forshaw in a £4million move last month but opted for Grujic when Forshaw joined Leeds instead. With the Whites struggling, it's looking like an astute piece of business.