Xherdan Shaqiri joined Liverpool this summer from relegated Stoke City. For a mere £13 million, the Reds have acquired a player who has a Champions League winners medal as well as a bagful of Swiss and German league titles. Shaqiri could just be a bench player whose sole role is to slot into the side should one of Liverpool’s magnificent front three sustain an injury or suspension. However, he is known for his ambition and desire to play at the highest level. He will want a place in the starting eleven no matter what.
How Does Xherdan Shaqiri Fit into the Liverpool Puzzle?
A basic analysis of Shaqiri’s game would show that the Swiss player is a winger of short stature who’s lack in height is made up for by his incredible technical ability. This is true, up to a point. Shaqiri is more of an inverted forward, much like Mo Salah. He would prefer to play on the right of a front three so that he could utilise the ferocious power and skill he has within his stronger left foot. Shaqiri is not a traditional winger; he does not stay wide and whip in crosses to the front men (although he is capable). He is more likely to play in the channels between the centre and wings of the pitch. This is where he can exploit the pockets of space to either unleash a venomous strike or play an incisive pass.
Shaqiri, much like former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho, has a record of wonder-goals. Most of these come from range, although he is capable of some stunning acrobatic efforts (such as his overhead kick v Manchester United in pre-season). Xherdan Shaqiri’s talent should not be questioned. Having played for Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and now Liverpool, it’s clear he is rated as one of the best. This is why Liverpool’s front men need to be wary of him snatching their spot in the lineup.
Role This Season
In terms of his role this season, the jury is still out. He came on as a substitute against West Ham in the final minutes of the opening game of the season which could be seen as an indication of things to come. It would take something drastic to keep Salah out of Liverpool’s starting eleven; he is their star man. Equally, Sadio Mane will be hard to displace especially after he started the season with a brace vs West Ham. Shaqiri cannot match the two star men in terms of goals scored, he scored only eight goals for Stoke last season in all competitions. Salah alone scored 44, over five times more than Shaqiri’s total. As well as the stats, the Liverpool fans love both Salah and Mane dearly and there would be eyebrows raised if Shaqiri was to replace them. So for now, it would seem the starting line-up is not achievable for Xherdan.
This does not mean that his role will be insignificant though. Liverpool are competing in four competitions this season, and games will come thick and fast. Rotation and depth will be key for Klopp’s reds. This will be Shaqiri’s opportunity to impress. With game time guaranteed in at least one of the domestic competitions, he can make his mark. Players who perform in a cup run tend to go down well with the clubs fans. Players who ruin a cup run, however… just ask Loris Karius.
Hit or Miss?
Only time will tell whether Xherdan Shaqiri will be a hit at Liverpool. He certainly has the talent, he just needs the patience. The brilliance of his play could quickly win the hearts of Liverpool fans around the world if he takes his chances. In terms of depth, the signing is already a success. It could even improve the performances of the front three as they look to nail down their starting places. Salah, Mane and Firmino shouldn’t rest on their laurels this season. Shaqiri might be small in stature but he has big ambitions.
He may not be a marquee signing, but Shaqiri has world-class talent. With Liverpool looking to win silverware this season, some talented depth is a welcome sight. This signing could be the final piece of the puzzle for Liverpool.
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