Jermaine Jenas suggested that Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri should be fuming over being subbed at half-time by Jurgen Klopp during the 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
The 26-year-old winger started the game against the Saints on Saturday but was withdrawn at half-time in order to be replaced by midfielder James Milner.
Jenas commented on Klopp’s decision to bench Shaqiri and shared that if it was him, he’d be fuming about coming off the pitch after putting in a first half display like the one the Liverpool winger did.
“I’m not sure he got hooked, if it was me, I’d be fuming after putting in the display he did in the first-half,” stated Jenas on BBC One’s repeat of Match of the Day (9:03am, September 23rd).
“This guy came in, Shaqiri, as we just highlighted here and he was given the freedom to go and play, go and create things, as Jurgen Klopp knew Southampton would try to make life difficult and sit deep so I thought it was a good tactical move to go with a creative midfielder.
“He answered all the questions Jurgen Klopp asked of him, which was go out there, create things and he was involved in the first goal which was unfortunate for Southampton.
“Finding little pockets of space continuously, he had the freedom of the park in this first-half, popping up on the right, popped up on the left side and linked up brilliantly with Robertson at times.”
OPINION
It’s hard to disagree with Jenas’ assessment of Shaqiri’s latest display nor the fact that the winger has a right to be fuming. The 26-year-old was arguably the Reds’ best player being dragged off at half-time and it was a bit of a mystery when he received directions to take a place on the bench. While several players for the Reds shone against the Saints, it should be noted that once Shaqiri left the field, the Reds didn’t score anymore goals. Hopefully the attacker is handed more chances to impress in the Premier League this season following being handed his first league start for the Reds on Saturday as he looks like being a handful. While the Reds’ current attacking line-up is breathtaking as it is, Shaqiri brings a whole new dimension to it. If the 26-year-old is able to run the show in the manner the way he did against the Saints then it’s unlikely that Klopp will be seen calling him to take a place on the bench again this season.
