Liverpool fans were full of praise for winger Xherdan Shaqiri after his brilliant display in the Merseyside derby win over Everton on Wednesday night.
In an interview with James Pearce, the Swiss international; who joined the Reds from Stoke in 2018, said: “Why would I want to leave Liverpool? This is a special team and there’s a lot to achieve here”. The former Bayern Munich has struggled with injury for a lot of the season but returned to the starting eleven with devastating effect against Everton; earning a 7.63 rating for his performance.
Since joining the club, Shaqiri has had to understandably play second fiddle to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane but has gone on to make 37 appearances so far for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 28-year-old had been linked with a move away after his lack of game time earlier in the season but demonstrated his value to the Liverpool fanbase with an impressive display against their near rivals.
Does Shaqiri deserve to start ahead of Salah against Bournemouth on Saturday?
Yes
No
Reaction from Reds fans to Shaqiri’s interview and performance against the Toffees can be seen in the tweets below.
Great professional right here. Guy hasn’t exactly had an abundance of opportunities recently but he stepped up on Wednesday and showed what he’s capable of.
Comes across as an all-round sound lad as well
— Ross Kelly (@rossMK1992) December 6, 2019
I’m thinking Jurgens had him on a roids ban! Definitely not the size he was, and looks a lot sharper
— neilvize (@neilvize) December 6, 2019
Perfect, such a great squad player! Is fine with being the plan b and everytime he IS needed he delivers. Exactly what you need in your squad, Origi as well.
— Leon Behling (@LeonBehling) December 6, 2019
He was absolutely fab the other night, such a great attitude
— Andy Dixon (@andymcdixon) December 6, 2019
Honestly love him as a player. Always wants the ball… A maverick.. Wants to make things happen..
— Mark (@CORNISHMAFIA1) December 6, 2019
My thoughts exactly when I saw him play.
This would clear the rumour that he wants to leave but there will still be people asking to sell him in January to finance new players.
— manman (@Livmanman) December 6, 2019
These guys that have been on the sidelines never looked as though it was a slight against them. They gave it their all and we really impressive.
— Abdul M. Ismail [] (@AbdulMIsmail) December 6, 2019
And maddock said Shaqiri wants to leave next summer, i swear to god it’s impossible to believe anyone
— Jad (@Jad_LFC_SDK) December 6, 2019
These Liverpool fans clearly loved Shaqiri’s display against Everton and will be hoping to see him produce similar performances throughout the season.
What do we think?
Shaqiri really demonstrated his class on Wednesday evening and showed that if the form of Salah is to ever drop, then he is a reliable back-up for the Egyptian winger. It also shows that perhaps Klopp’s side do have the depth to go on and win the title, as more squad rotation will surely be necessary in an extremely busy festive period for the Reds.