OPINION
Xherdan Shaqiri hasn’t been able to make the impact that he would have liked since his summer move to Liverpool from Stoke City thus far.
And the Swiss international, on a reported £90,000-per-week contract [Source: Spotrac], believes that he should be employed in a central role moving forward.
“It is certainly different if you as a player have such freedom [as a No.10],” he told the Liverpool Echo. “The trainer gives me the freedom and I try to use it so that I can help the team as much as possible with decisive passes or with shots.
“Against Portugal I almost had to play as right-back. I play where the coach sets me up. But sure, on the side you have more defensive work than in the middle.”
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp should heed Shaqiri’s words moving forward. The German may not be particularly receptive to tactical opinions from players but he needs to swallow his pride and listen to what the 26-year-old is saying.
The former Stoke man is at his best when he’s operating in the middle of the park and is able to dictate play. His biggest strength is his creativity, which can be employed to its best effect in a central role.
He has shown in glimpses this term how good he can be, and how well he fits into this Liverpool team.
If Klopp, as he tends to do, is favouring an offensive approach then Shaqiri should get the nod, and he shouldn’t be employed out wide where his impact is limited.
Managers don’t necessarily enjoy receiving tactical advice from players, but in this case Klopp needs to listen to Shaqiri and change the 26-year-old’s role.
