Let’s begin with his goals and assists in his last season at Stoke City, despite an appalling season from the former Premier League which saw them relegated from England’s top tier for the first time since their promotion to the league in 2008, Xherdan Shaqiri was one bright spark in their disappointing campaign the attacking winger from Switzerland scored 8 goals and created 7 assists for his side in 36 Premier League games. Had Shaqiri not been there for Stoke the former Premier League Side would have been relegated much earlier than when they did.
Much has been said about his work rate and his lack of defensive responsibility i.e. never tracking back and helping his full back when required, having said that as we have seen with so many players in this current Liverpool side, if there is one manager in world football who can change the way a player plays, it is Jurgen Klopp.
He has changed so much with how the current squad plays their football. The best examples have been with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andy Robertson, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, since Klopp’s arrival those players have turned from average squad members to players that we cannot play without. I have no doubt the same will happen to Shaqiri, furthermore if he can contribute to 15 goals and assists to a poor Stoke City side, imagine what he can do under one of the best attacks in Europe under one of the world’s best football coaches.
Signed, sealed and delivered. Liverpool have a new no.23 who will most certainly bring even more entertainment and excitement at Anfield and hopefully some trophies along the way! Never have I been more excited for a new campaign, Jurgen Klopp has assembled a formidable squad and if a goalkeeper and a number 10 can be brought in anytime from now up until the 9thAugust (deadline day) then success is only a matter of when and not if.
What are your thoughts on our latest signing? Will he have enough attacking potency to seriously threaten the front 3? Let me know in the comments below!
Article by Anish Dogra @Anish_Dogra
A few weeks ago our very own Ben Kelly produced a transfer fact file on Xherdan Shaqiri, watch the video below for an in depth look on our latest signing!
