Liverpool transfer target Xherdan Shaqiri statistically outperformed Raheem Sterling in three areas after England and Switzerland completed their opening World Cup games.
Switzerland and England had very different contrasting fortunes having both played their first World Cup game with England falling to narrow defeat while the Swiss grabbed a dramatic late winner against Ecuador.
The Switzerland game would have been of great interest to Liverpool fans because it gave them a chance to study the performance of Xherdan Shaqiri, a player Brendan Rodgers has strongly been linked with signing.
After Raheem Sterling’s standout performance for England, Shaqiri managed to out-do the Liverpool winger statistically, providing a brief insight into what he may offer the Anfield side next season.
The Liverpool transfer target managed to outperform Sterling in three key areas; On target attempts, accurate crosses and accurate passes.
| Country | Pos | Ontarget Scoring Att | Accurate Cross | Accurate Pass | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Switzerland | MF | 1 | 3 | 33 | 1 | 90 |
| Raheem Sterling | England | MF | 0 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 90 |
Brendan Rodgers would have been watching the game just like any other top European boss and he can be encouraged and further incentivised to move for the Swiss on all three counts.
The on target attempts shows that he poses a real goal threat, noteworthy because he plays for the Swiss in a wider position whereas Sterling started in the number ten role for England.
The difference in crossing can also be explained through the difference in position, but if Rodgers commissions a move for Shaqiri, what he’ll want top see is proof that the winger is contributing in wide areas.
The passing stat for Shaqiri also suggests that he’d fit in nicely with the way Liverpool like to play football.
Rodgers’ team were predominantly a counter attack unit last season, but showed a great ability to protect possession when they enjoyed spells on top during a game.
They would lose nothing in terms of that protection of the ball based on how Shaqiri has started his World Cup campaign.
Reports suggest that Shaqiri would set Liverpool back £15 million and if he can continue to outperform a talent as good as Sterling in key attacking areas, Rodgers may be more convinced than ever to go after him.
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