Liverpool’s pursuit of Lyon captain Nabil Fekir over the summer was quite the fodder for rumour mills (h/t The Mirror). Twitter went crazy with speculations and so did the media.
However, much to the chagrin of the fans, the move ultimately fell through. As a result, Jurgen Klopp signed Xherdan Shaqiri in a last-ditch attempt and the Swiss star moved to Anfield from Stoke City. He was not immediately reinstated to the team and took some time to settle in.
With a few impressive substitute appearances under his belt, Shaqiri slowly began making a name for himself. And after being handed a start against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, Shaqiri put in a solid performance.
He provided the team with a lot of creativity and pace, thereby filling the void left behind by a certain Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian’s infamous departure to Barcelona certainly compounded the Reds’ troubles.
They lacked an out and out creative midfielder but his absence was not felt as much last season since Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were unstoppable.
This term, however, Liverpool’s Egyptian marvel has proven that he is a mortal but as a result, the club’s attacking displays had somewhat deteriorated. And considering the powerful defenders they have at their disposal right now, the Merseysiders began putting up more defensive performances which were a far cry from what they did last season.
However, Shaqiri could go a long way toward solving the club’s creative woes. He is a winger by trade but at Liverpool, he has often been deployed – and excelled – in a No. 10 role.
Of course, he is far from being one of the best yet but if he continues developing and working like this under Klopp’s guidance, Shaqiri could go on to become a key player for the Reds in the near future.
Liverpool must, of course, wait for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to return because he was one of their strongest and smoothest links between the midfield and the attack last season. However, as far as Shaqiri is concerned, his diligence and talent seem to have steadied Liverpool’s ship for the time being.
