Does Xherdan Shaqiri Deserve More Game Time at Anfield?
Liverpool’s transfer business caught the eye this summer with the arrivals of Alisson, Fabinho and Naby Keita all joining the club ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. They also spent around £12 million to acquire the services of Xherdan Shaqiri with the Swiss star arriving in a cut-price deal from relegated Stoke City. Many fans envisaged the 27-year old becoming a useful fringe player and expected him to be regularly utilised from the bench but his appearances have been limited at Anfield so far and he’s become visibly frustrated with his lack of action.
Liverpool enjoyed a successful pre-season and Shaqiri played a pivotal role throughout. He featured in a number of different roles as Jurgen Klopp experimented with his squad but, despite his impressive performances, he always knew he had a fight on his hands to keep his place in the side once the season got underway.
He was deployed on the right-flank against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup but Jurgen Klopp appeared unhappy with his side’s lack of defensive nous and he hasn’t featured in the side since. Shaqiri sees himself as more of a playmaker and has spoken of his desire to play a number ten role. He told a Swiss newspaper that it would allow him more freedom and open up a number of creative possibilities. However, Liverpool’s formation is unlikely to accommodate this position so Shaqiri may have to be patient and await an opportunity. Liverpool will play eight times between December 1st and New Years Day and this busy period will be followed by the third round of the FA Cup and Shaqiri is likely to make a couple of appearances during this hectic festive period.
Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to meddle with his side over the coming weeks due to the Reds’ excellent start to the Premier League season. Following consecutive draws with Chelsea and Manchester City, they remain unbeaten so far and are level on points with the aforementioned duo. The quest for silverware could be a three-horse race this season and Liverpool are second favourites in the Premier League betting market and are available at 9/4 to finish top of the pile and secure the title.
Speculation about Shaqiri’s future has been rife and plenty was made of his alleged dispute with Jurgen Klopp following the club’s Carabao Cup exit but the German boss has been quick to play down these reports. The Swiss playmaker was the standout star during the Potter’s disastrous campaign last year and the majority of their play revolved around him however it’s a completely different set of circumstances in Merseyside.
Rivalling Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino for a place in the side was always going to be an uphill task and Shaqiri has found it tough so far but there is still plenty of time for him to shine in a Liverpool shirt. He was never signed to be a lynchpin of this side but he could be deployed from the bench more often and is undoubtedly a useful ‘plan b’ for Jurgen Klopp. With the fixtures coming thick and fast, there should be plenty of opportunities to come for Shaqiri but he is unlikely to displace any of Liverpool’s potent front three on current form.