Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports that Xherdan Shaqiri isn’t going to win the ball back for Liverpool.
Liverpool take on Manchester United in the FA Cup today after losing their Premier League home record to Burnley in midweek, and with it, going four games without a goal.
On Thursday night, Shaqiri started in the middle of the park for the champions, but like many of his teammates, he struggled to make an impact.
Merson shared his thoughts on Liverpool missing that bite in midfield and how they have missed that quality without the ball.
“This team was the best team in the world without the ball,” said Merson. “They were the best team. Everybody knew their jobs.
“When one went, they all went, they suffocated teams and won the ball back quickly.
“When you have to make changes and players aren’t fitting like Van Dijk and you have to put Henderson back or Fabinho. People don’t know. Shaqiri, I like him he’s a good footballer, but he’s not going to win you the ball back. And that was Liverpool.”
Purchased for £13 million in 2018 [BBC Sport], Shaqiri is yet to cement his place in Liverpool’s starting XI and he has had to resort to stop-start moments during his time at Anfield.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the long-range specialist is back on the bench for Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United today.
Everyone’s eyes will be on Liverpool’s forward line, who have lost all confidence in their game and if they add to their woes at Old Trafford then their rivals will make sure they know about it.
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