Pundit Arena Because Sport Is Everything
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Xherdan Shaqiri’s first Reds impression on Saturday night.
The Swiss international entered the fray in the second half during Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Michigan, going on to assist Daniel Sturridge’s goal before scoring himself with a tremendous overhead kick late on in the 4-1 win.
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Shaqiri only joined up with his new teammates on Tuesday, having been given an extended break following his participation in the World Cup. Speaking to the media after that match, Klopp couldn’t quite believe how at ease the former Stoke City forward seemed to be in the new system in such a short space of time:
“That’s not normal after four days in the club, adapting that well to the style of play.
We wanted to help him a little bit with the position so that it’s not too complicated. We gave him a lot of freedom, offensively playing natural, plus offering runs in behind, which is what he did especially around the Sturridge goal.”
Shaqiri was one of four new signings at Liverpool this summer, moving to Anfield in a £13m deal last month. Though he has primarily been brought in as a rotation option for the usual front three of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, if he can transfer this sort of form to his competitive games then it may give Klopp something to think about.
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