Paul Merson claimed Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri was the best Premier League signing of the season so far.
The Sky Sports pundit was asked to name the player he thought had proven to be the best acquisition in England’s top-flight this season and he proceeded to heap praise on the Reds’ 27-year-old winger.
Merson shared he thought he’d probably be shot down for naming Shaqiri, as other players have done more, but he pointed how the Swiss international had stepped up to succeed at Anfield.
“It’s the first name that popped into my head, and I’ll probably be shot down because there’ll be others who have done more, but for the price Liverpool paid for him, and how he’s slotted in when they’ve given their regular front three a rest, I think he’s done very well,” said Merson on Sky Sports’ website.
“You didn’t immediately think he would fit in with their system because his work-rate has been in question in the past, but he’s stepped up to it.
“He’s impressed me more than I thought he would with that, but I think it’s been good for him to work under Jurgen Klopp.
“You’ve seen him having a go at him when his levels have dropped and he’s responded and come up with some goals.”
OPINION
Merson shouldn’t worry about people disagreeing with him as it’s a valid opinion to have that Shaqiri has been the signing of the season so far in the Premier League. Many were understandably writing off the player’s chance of success at Anfield due to the fact his work-ethic had previously looked more than questionable. However in all of his nine appearances for the Reds since joining, Shaqiri has worked hard and has looked hungry for success. When you consider the Reds only had to spend £13million (Source: BBC) to get him then of course the capture of the winger should be a contender for signing of the season. Shaqiri has racked up three assists and scored one goal in his outings so far, with it being fair to say that lot of supporters wouldn’t mind seeing him get more game time at Anfield due to his impressive displays. Hopefully the winger is able to keep up his excellent form as come the end of season, more pundits might be claiming he was the best signing of the summer in hindsight.
