Liverpool vs Red Star: Surprise inclusion on deck?
Liverpool head to Belgrade to take on their Serbian opponent in the next match of Champions League group stage play.
Liverpool have a fairly winnable matchup Tuesday night in Belgrade, however with the omission of Xherdan Shaqiri due to political implications, a place has opened within the squad.
The Swiss international recorded a game winning goal in the 90th minute of the World Cup match against Serbia, this summer. His ensuing celebration of crossing his hands in order to symbolize the eagle on the Albanian flag.
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He was originally from Kosovo, which is not recognized by Serbia as independent. The danger experienced by many Kosovar-Albanians forced Shaqiri to flee his native country for Switzerland at a young age.
These implications have forced Klopp to keep the dynamic attacker at Merryside, while the team traveled to Belgrade.
This omission leaves a vacant spot on the squad, as most of the other midfielders cannot add such a spark to compliment the attack.
One option however is the reinsertion into the starting XI of Naby Keïta, who can add a degree of dynamism similar to Shaqiri.
According to Klopp, the Cameroonian international may be back for this upcoming match. This would add an offensive presence in this midfield and allow it to function normally.
This is a must win match as well because Napoli and PSG are also facing off and one of them is guaranteed to register one point or less in the standings. Liverpool’s potential three points could place some distance between these two dangerous clubs.
Napoli currently has five points, PSG have four and Liverpool lead the way with six.
A potential loss to either club and Liverpool victory can place Klopp’s men five points up on PSG or four up on Napoli. A draw can place them four points above PSG and three above Napoli.
Either way with a win, Liverpool can place themselves in good position as the group stage draws to a close. Having still to play PSG and Napoli once more each, both matches will most likely determine who moves on and who does not.
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Keïta would be a welcome addition to the Reds lineup and this decision will be important in hopefully securing these three vital points.