Xherdan Shaqiri was once considered a potential star, then traveled to the club, before finally starting to steal the attention of Liverpool supporters. Shaqiri was recruited by Bayern Munich when he was only 21 years old. He skyrocketed with FC Basel and is considered one of the future players of Switzerland.
Three seasons in Munich, Shaqiri was thrown to Inter Milan. But in the Italian giants, Shaqiri also could not win a place in the first team. He was again thrown at Stoke City.
When Shaqiri spent three seasons in his career at Stoke City, Juergen Klopp then came out to offer to join Liverpool.
“Recruiting Shaqiri is an easy decision. When a player like himself is available on the market, this is the best way to react, and now we have it.”
“He has speed and ability, has the courage to win the ball and give influence in the game. There are mandatory requirements that he can fulfill to play with us,” Klopp said when Shaqiri’s announcement was a new Liverpool player, quoted from the club’s official website.
Klopp has long observed Shaqiri, even since he was in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.
“He gave us flexibility about the way we played. I knew him well since in Switzerland, and of course in Germany. I have been an admirer for a long time. Now I get a bonus because he also understands the English League.”
“Xherdan is a player who will be very fit with Liverpool, I’m sure of that,” Klopp said.
Klopp’s conviction really proved at the start of this season. Shaqiri successfully entered and supported the Liverpool game scheme. Shaqiri has not become a regular player in the Liverpool core team, but Shaqiri can prove that he has the ability to make Liverpool more solid this season.
In the game against Manchester United, Shaqiri who entered in the 70th minute was the answer to the problem of the deadlock experienced by Liverpool. Shaqiri then came with two goals which brought Liverpool to victory with a score of 3-1. So far, Shaqiri has scored five goals and three assists in limited minutes.
Shaqiri is clearly the best solution to Liverpool’s problems which still surfaced last season. If the recruitment of Fabinho and Naby Keita is the answer to Klopp’s desire to have a horse-powered midfield, then Shaqiri’s arrival is an attempt to patch the hole left by Philippe Coutinho and also the Sadio Mane-Roberto Firmino-Mohamed Salah trio at the same time.
The trio that Klopp believes is usually the midfielder is Naby Keita-Fabinho-Georginio Wijnaldum with variations of Jordan Henderson and James Milner in it.
Klopp believes the midfielder’s trio can provide a balance on the Liverpool front line that is filled by Mane, Firmino and Salah. But if Klopp wants the Reds to be more offensive, then Klopp can substitute Shaqiri as an attacking midfielder.
Shaqiri’s presence also made Liverpool and Klopp able to breathe a little relieved if there was an injury problem approaching one of Liverpool’s deadly trident. Shaqiri also would not be rigid if installed as a front-line trio.
The existence of Shaqiri is clearly an injection of energy means that other strikers like Daniel Sturridge are vulnerable.
Shaqiri’s position not labeled super star also makes it easy for Klopp to place him on the bench. Shaqiri would not protest much with the decision as did Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba who were reportedly upset by Mourinho’s player selection policy.
Shaqiri realized he still had to prove himself worthy of being in the first team. He must continue to maximize every minute Klopp gives him. He must pay Klopp’s trust every time he goes down in the field. That would be a big advantage for Liverpool this season.
