Former Liverpool bench-warmer Xherdan Shaqiri is making his mark at Lyon with coach Peter Bosz blown away by the winger’s “extraordinary” qualities, speaking to Le Progres.
In many ways, Lyon and Shaqiri feel like a match made in happen.
Like the former Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Stoke City winger, Lyon tend to spend their time on the periphery of the elite, never managing to force their way into the inner sanctum despite the undoubted quality at their disposal.
More Jason Clarke than Leo DiCaprio, perhaps.
But after being forced into a background role by Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded squad of Anfield A-listers, Shaqiri is shining on a smaller stage, scoring his first Lyon goal with typical aplomb during last night’s 3-1 victory over newly promoted Troyes.
Cutting in from the byline, Shaqiri took his time before whipping an inch-perfect, left-footed shot into the top corner.
Former Liverpool man Xherdan Shaqiri looks reborn at Lyon
“He didn’t do the preparation with us,” one-time Dortmund and Ajax coach Bosz revealed after a win that lifted Lyon into sixth place.
“The players don’t know his qualities and vice-versa. But we can see he has a great left foot. Not only in the way he scored but also in the passes he was able to give to his teammates or his crosses, which are extraordinary. He’s a really good player.”
Unfortunately for Shaqiri, Lyon aren’t short of talented, enigmatic number tens either.
Houssem Aouar, the perennial gossip column dweller labelled “incredible” by Pep Guardiola after a Champions League victory over Manchester City, isn’t even guaranteed a place in Bosz’s XI these days.
Brazil international Lucas Paqueta, meanwhile, continues to blossom into one of Europe’s finest playmakers – even if his elaborate approach can rub people up the wrong way.
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