How forgotten man Shaqiri is key to title run in
Liverpool forgotten man Xherdan Shaqiri is key to the Premier League title run in, and this is how.
After performing minor miracles as an impact sub, Shaqiri has been curiously banished to the back of the pecking order by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.
Since starting against Brighton on the 12th of January, the Swiss international has started just one other game and made three substitute appearances totalling a meagre 48 minutes. Shaq hasn’t scored since Boxing Day and hasn’t played a single minute of football in four out of the last five games.
No matter which way you look at it, Shaqiri is on the way out. Who would have imagined it after his two goal thunderbastard of an intervention against Manchester United, but the Powercube is clearly out of favour and that needs to change.
And that’s because Liverpool have only failed to win one game that Shaqiri has started, the 1-1 draw with Leicester City. There’s no doubt that the former Stoke man brings a little of what the Reds have been missing when they’re poor. He’s direct, powerful, dribbles well and has an eye for goal.
Shaqiri would have certainly been a good bet for a game changing cameo against Everton last Sunday, but for whatever reason wasn’t required.
light. Hot. Rodgers had to be bribed to sign Firmino… with Benteke!
His game is similar to that of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but without the tactical knowledge and discipline to provide a defensive element in central midfield.
Maybe that’s why Klopp isn’t picking him. The gaffer is waiting until Shaq has the necessarily tactical knowledge to play alongside Jordan Henderson or Fabinho. But time is running out, and Shaqiri has the ability to make a difference for the team.
He can be a creative force and a difference maker. We’re coming towards the pointy end of the season, and while Liverpool don’t have many problems it does appear as if the side lacks a spark at times.
Next. Is Joao Felix the answer? We played six seasons of Football Manager to find out. dark
We have one sitting on the bench, it’s time to use it.