Phil Thompson raved about the ability of Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri ahead of the Reds taking on Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds legend shared that he thought the 27-year-old winger had been absolutely fantastic since joining Jurgen Klopp’s side and that he had won fans over as a result.
Thompson then shared that Shaqiri was the type of player in his opinion that could help break Man United’s defence down on Sunday if Jose Mourinho sets his side up to sit deep.
“This is what I think Jurgen Klopp has brought him for certain games when you go 4-3-3, those three players in there (Salah, Firmino, Mane), you can afford to play Shaqiri in these games as long as he’s happy to be like that as in the other games, the big six or whatever, you need workers in there,” said the pundit on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (December 15, 12:54).
“Shaqiri has got an eye for a pass, he’s got set-plays in him so that creativity, we were saying about breaking down defences, it’s breaking that Man United defence if they’re going to sit deep.
“He’s that sort of player particularly late on, someone like that, to come on.
“But he’s absolutely fantastic and he has won over Liverpool fans and you can see the reason why.”
OPINION
Thompson is 100% on the money with his verdict of Shaqiri. The 27-year-old has defied expectations this season and has dazzled supporters more than they ever expected. Shaqiri’s work-ethic was questioned ahead of him rocking up at Anfield and while you still wouldn’t describe him as industrious you wouldn’t say he has pulled his weight when featuring. The attacker has been a bright spark for the Reds when they have needed him most and he has done well to find his feet as well as his place at Anfield. Shaqiri has featured 12 time in the Premier League so far this season, snatching three goals and two assists in the process, and you’d back him to play a part against Man United on Sunday. The winger may start the game on the bench with Mourinho’s side but he has proven this campaign that he can make a difference even when limited to cameo appearances. It’s easy to imagine Shaqiri being able to weave through Man United tired defence near the tail-end of the match if Klopp deploys him from the bench rather than the start.
