Analysis: What does Xherdan Shaqiri bring to Liverpool?
By Quinn Allen
The Reds agreed to a 13 million euros transfer fee from Stoke City for the 26-year old winger. This is Liverpool’s third signing of the summer thus far.
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool added another valuable piece to their attack this past week when they completed a deal for Xherdan Shaqiri, who just starred for Switzerland at the World Cup.
Shaqiri spent three seasons with Stoke City before making the move over to Anfield. Across three seasons in a Stoke uniform, he netted 15 times in 84 appearances, while also tallying 15 assists.
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Before playing in England, Shaqiri enjoyed spells with FC Basel, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich. With Basel, he briefly played with Liverpool star Mo Salah. While playing in Germany with Bayern, Shaqiri played against a Dortmund side that used to be managed by Jurgen Klopp.
The Swiss international has played very well on the big stage. He had a very impressive World Cup which saw Switzerland get knocked out in the round of 16 by Sweden.
Shaqiri started all four matches in Russia, netting once in a huge win over Serbia and also capturing one assist against Brazil.
His pace and skill were on full display during the World Cup and is definitely a huge reason Liverpool decided to go through with this signing.
What does he bring to Liverpool?
Shaqiri has never been a big-time goal-scorer throughout his career, but he could be coming to Liverpool at just the right time.
The winger is in the peak years of his career at 26-years old, and being surrounded by fantastic players could really pay off for the winger.
Shaqiri has tremendous speed and skill on the right flank. He will be a great addition to the Reds because he’s also a great playmaker along with being able to find the net from time to time.
With the fab three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah up top, he will be able to put lots of balls through to those three and try to create some goal-scoring opportunities.
Jurgen Klopp usually likes to play a 4-3-3 formation, so Shaqiri would most likely be competing with Gerginio Wijnaldum for a spot in the starting eleven at right midfield.
Aside from being quick and skillful, the new Liverpool man also has great vision on the pitch. He’s shown numerous times in club and international football that he has the ability to pick out teammates with beautiful through balls and crosses.
Despite his small stature, he has great physical presence and seldom gets pushed off the ball thanks to a very strong lower half that keeps him grounded.
An addition to an electric attack
Adding a player like Xherdan Shaqiri to Liverpool will give Jurgen Klopp even more options for his starting eleven. They already have an outstanding squad that advanced all the way to the Champions league final in 2018, so adding another quality player will make them that much better.
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With a healthy mix of playmaking and goal-scoring ability, Xherdan Shaqiri is definitely a valuable signing for the Reds as they prepare to kick off the 2018/19 Premier League season in a month’s time.