Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (06/03/21 at 1:25 pm) that Xherdan Shaqiri isn’t someone who is going to close the opposition down in a typical Liverpool way.
Liverpool’s engine hasn’t been able to start in the manner it has liked this season because of the injuries to Jurgen Klopp’s team.
And whilst some have looked towards the likes of Thiago not providing that aggression off the ball, Merson thinks someone like Shaqiri isn’t going to come in and provide that pressing without the ball either.
“I have sat here a million times and said they were the best team I have ever seen without the ball,” said Merson.
“I watched Man City the other night and that was Liverpool without the ball – No disrespect, but you bring in Shaqiri, for a game or two, he’s not a closer downer.
“He’s not going to ‘bang’ and go. And you need a plan B. When you are under pressure and it’s not going well, you sort of start making the wrong decisions.”
During Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea in midweek, Klopp opted to bring in Fabinho at centre-back, and not to his favoured position.
Many feel the Brazil international should return in midfield because Liverpool are missing his presence.
Henderson is still out injured, whilst James Milner came off the bench during that Thursday loss.
But with Ozan Kabak seemingly catching this injury virus at Anfield, it now decreases Fabinho’s chances of playing in the middle of the park against Fulham today.
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