Peter Crouch heaped praise on Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri and shared that the player could prove to be the final ingredient needed at Anfield in order for trophies to be added to the cabinet.
The former Reds forward shared that he believed Jurgen Klopp would not allow anyone to ignore their defensive duties and that if the 27-year-old winger improved that area of his game, then he would be an exceptional talent.
Crouch then added that he thought Shaqiri was genuinely special as it is and shared it was up to him to prove that he could be a player who helped bring silverware to the club.
“Maybe the difficulties he experienced at Stoke have helped the penny drop,” wrote Crouch in his column for the Daily Mail.
“He is playing for a manager now in Jurgen Klopp who will not tolerate anyone who shirks their defensive duties and if Shaqiri adds that to his game, he will be an exceptional talent.
“You need belief in yourself to thrive at Anfield and that is something he has got in abundance. Nobody has ever doubted his talent and now it seems he is maturing. Perhaps he appreciates what an opportunity he has been given.
“Liverpool look the real deal this season. They are so dynamic and so exciting and their squad is primed to push for the biggest trophies.
“Shaqiri might just be the man who provides the final ingredient to the team. He is genuinely special — it’s up to him to prove it.”
OPINION
Shaqiri has been making people speak about him publicly for all the right reasons since joining the Reds. The 27-year-old has previously had his work-rate and attitude questioned when appearing for his nation, Switzerland, as well as his previous clubs but he is yet to show off his undesirable qualities while wearing a Reds shirt. Shaqiri has scored once, while registering two assists, in his six league outings for Klopp’s side this season and has made a case for why he should start more games. The winger has looked too much for side’s to handle and his skilful trickery and fancy footwork are a joy to watch. However until he shows off his desire to work for the team and lighten the defensive workload on his teammates, people are always going to question that area of his game. Yet it is possible Shaqiri can continue his Reds career without ever addressing it as Klopp might be aware that he is a luxury player whose game he cannot mess with. While it would be nice to see the attacking running back and putting some blocks in, he is still an exceptional player even if that side of his game remains unimproved.
