Liverpool are currently sitting top of the Premier League table.
Ian Wright has worryingly claimed that ‘something has happened’ in regards to Liverpool ace Xherdan Shaqiri and his lack of game time in recent months.
Jurgen Klopp has utilised the 27-year-old from the bench for large parts of the season, but he has not appeared from the bench during his side’s last four league matches.
Previously, he has showcased his ability to make an impact from the bench and providing his team with that extra attacking edge as was proven when he scored a brace against Manchester United at Anfield in December.
Speaking to the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live, Wright questioned Shaqiri’s absence and why other players are being selected ahead of him from the bench.
“What’s happened to Shaqiri? What’s happening?” Wright asked on BBC Radio 5 Live. “You say that [his form has dipped], who did he bring on in front of him [against Fulham]? I have seen he [Klopp] has brought other players on in front of Shaqiri.
“We have seen that Shaqiri has made a difference earlier on in the season. You say his form has dropped, but it seems to me like something has happened.”
Over the course of the season, Shaqiri has played 21 league games for the Merseyside club, finding the back of the net on six occasions and supplying his teammates with two assists [transfermarkt].
During the Reds last league outing, when they beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, Klopp opted to bring on James Milner and Divock Origi two minutes before the London club equalised.
Those substitutions provided mixed results for Klopp because Milner’s sliced clearance led to Ryan Babel pouncing on Virgil van Dijk and Allison’s mistake.
But nine minutes from time, Milner showed composure to slot home a penalty which ensured that Klopp’s side are above Manchester City heading into the international break.
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