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Liverpool supporters react to the performance of Xherdan Shaqiri
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool supporters react to the performance of Xherdan Shaqiri

October 31, 2020
Joshua Kerr

Almost forgotten amid a crescendo of standout players for Liverpool following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against West Ham, was Xherdan Shaqiri’s contribution.

Shaqiri, 29, was brought on as a second-half substitute alongside Diogo Jota to inspire some much-needed attacking impetus to a Liverpool performance which prior to their introduction, was miserably flat.

His performance in a cagey affair cannot be underestimated as it was Shaqiri’s innovation and vision which carved out the all-important winning goal.

The Switzerland international received the ball on the edge of the box and was not phased by countless West Ham bodies surrounding him as he calmly slotted a beautifully weighted disguised pass to pick out the run of Jota, who smashed home the winner.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 31: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool clears the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on October 31, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images)

He was only on the pitch for 20 minutes yet he was unquestionably one of Liverpool’s most creative players, and showcased to Klopp he can be trusted to impact games more regularly.

Jota himself was also outstanding when he came on, finding the back of the net on two occasions, only for one to have been ruled out following another VAR-based decision to deny Liverpool a goal. The Portugal international has now scored in all three of his home Premier League matches at Anfield.

Shaqiri is a quality player in his own right, and he is demonstrating to supporters why maintaining his services for another year could prove to be hugely significant to Liverpool’s title aspirations.

In his 20 minutes of action, he enjoyed a pass success rate of 92%, made one tackle and innovated the all-important moment of the match.

It is because of the quality he brings, that there has been such anxiety over his lack of minutes.

In the previous three matches he has played (Ajax, FC Midtjylland and West Ham) Shaqiri has made a significant contribution of some sorts and his performances are not going unnoticed by his manager.

It always seemed a case of Shaqiri having to earn Klopp’s trust, and he took a step forward with this contribution.

Speaking after the game, Klopp highlighted the incredible impact his substitutions made to inspire Liverpool’s third successive victory in the space of seven days.
He said: “Jota is a good player, he’s brought a lot. He’s such a likeable person and that makes everything easier.
“He is strong, good in the air on the ground. Exactly the quality we need and that helps. They all played today, Shaqiri and Taki are close too. We have options.”
This was no easy cameo to finally break down what had been a resolute West Ham defensive display. He played and put in a real shift during the toughest spell of the game.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 31: Diogo Jota of Liverpool and Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool prepare to enter the pitch during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on October 31, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images)

Reaction

Here is a look at the reaction to Shaqiri’s performance.

 

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