Topic: Xherdan Shaqiri - Sponsored by The Cube

[lionel_messias]

Thought he looked sharp in his little cameo

First pass was weighted spot on down the right hand channel

His passing was crisp. Looks like he’s been working hard and was keen to impress

I like him, he's always been a talented player and it's nice for us to have someone like that around the squad
-even if he can't really make the 1st team as a starter.

Hopefully for him, he's get's to start in the domestic cups, to help alongside youngsters like Brewster, they should be able to look towards him, as an experienced international, for help and guidance in those games.

[mrantarctica]

Him, along with Lallana, Gomez, Naby and Origi and anyone else who is perhaps just on the fringe of regular first 11 selection, just need to keep themselves as fit as possible, keep positive, train as hard as they can, work on deficiencies in their game and then hope that they get a few opportunities. There will certainly be chances to get minutes and impress. For instance, I think MK Dons 3 days after Chelsea and before Sheffield is an opportunity to rest some big names. The Genk games come in between some important league fixtures for us (Man Utd, Tottenham, Man City). Even Salzburg are comparatively weaker opposition that we don't necessarily need every big name in the squad to defeat. These are chances for us to focus on the league and perhaps open up as big a gap on the table as we can, without necessarily compromising our champions league defence. I hope we can find a happy middle ground where we don't run players into the ground.

[Magix]

Thought he looked sharp in his little cameo

First pass was weighted spot on down the right hand channel

His passing was crisp. Looks like he’s been working hard and was keen to impress

Yeah, thought he looked good as well when he came on. I feel he's closest (as close as anyone can be to a Bobby substitute) in terms of creativity. A #10/#8 as opposed to Bobby's #10/#9.

[Xanderzone]

Feel sorry for him a bit.

Just doesnt seem to be a role in a 4-3-3 for him

[mrantarctica]

Feel sorry for him a bit.

Just doesnt seem to be a role in a 4-3-3 for him

His issue is that he just doesn't quite have the tactical nous and intensity to deploy our best game. For 20 - 30 mins at a time, we probably can get away with it, but for the whole 90 mins it just means everyone else has to work that much harder to cover up for what he isn't doing. I'm pretty sure this isn't through a lack of effort or desire to throw himself about, it's just that been that good at our pressing and off the ball game. We saw this in that Barca game where we were missing players. His desire and commitment were great but there's no doubt that he wasn't great on or off the ball for quite a large part of the game. No question about his delivery in the final third though.

He's a really good player, and an important creative asset for us, and I'm sure we'll see plenty of good moments and key interventions. But sadly, he's going to have to settle for a bit part role whilst better options are available.

[The Test]

So klopp has said Shaq is now a real option in attacking midfield after 2 weeks of training in the role at Melwood. In some ways it's slightly disappointing he's progressing in midfield as opposed to as an attacking option where we arguably need cover more.

But I guess the flip side of that is the improved service it gives the attackers, especially if one of the first choice three gets injured and we need to play Div or Rhian for a significant length of time. We'd be able to rely on the midfield to create a bit more and make it easier for them.

[Yiannis]

^^I take it as he already knows how to play as a Salah alternative for example? If he's good enough for that is a different discussion.

[Salty Dog]

^^I take it as he already knows how to play as a Salah alternative for example? If he's good enough for that is a different discussion.

My reading on it too. Plus, how often do we need a Salah alternative? Mo is one of the fittest footballers alive.

[Magix]

In terms of backup to the front three, I think we're better served with Shaq in midfield as a #8/#10 with Gini and Ox on the wings than Shaq playing there.

[The Test]

In terms of backup to the front three, I think we're better served with Shaq in midfield as a #8/#10 with Gini and Ox on the wings than Shaq playing there.

Maybe you have him as an 8 and stick hendo and Fab behind him as a solid wall of masculinity.

[Fordy]

When is he back?

We win the game today if he is available.

[farawayred]

When is he back?

We win the game today if he is available.

You really think he's a better option then Keita?

[BrandoLFC]

You really think he's a better option then Keita?

Personally I think Shaq is done here.  With that said he was our 4th best offensive player last year even with basically being benched from February onward.  He probably has a better chance of scoring than Keita I think would be a fair thing to say.

[farawayred]

Personally I think Shaq is done here.  With that said he was our 4th best offensive player last year even with basically being benched from February onward.  He probably has a better chance of scoring than Keita I think would be a fair thing to say.

Fair. But I was thinking more in terms of goals scored, not who scores them. I have no data to back thins up, but Keita seems a lot more creative than Shaq, and I'm on the edge when he gets the ball. Shaq may be more likely to score than Naby (now), but he seems too predictable. Chambo is similar to him in that aspect, but he can score too, and he came close today. For me, Keita and AOC, and arguably maybe Lallana are ahead of Shaq in terms of overall contribution.

[Ghost Town]

We'll know if Shaq is 'done here' if/when Klopp moves him on. Until then he wants him here.

[him_15]

Shaq is still very important for us, considering with all the competition we have this season.

[Fordy]

You really think he's a better option then Keita?

Yes I do, Keita has failed to deliver so far.

I also think he is better than Hendo in an attacking role.

And would be our best replacement for Bobby if he's having a bad game or needs a rest etc.

I would consider starting him over Origi also.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Yes I do, Keita has failed to deliver so far.

I also think he is better than Hendo in an attacking role.

And would be our best replacement for Bobby if he's having a bad game or needs a rest etc.

I would consider starting him over Origi also.

He isn't a better midfielder than Keita. Keita when he's had a run in the side, has shown why he's important to our midfield.

Shaqiri isn't an #8, never has been and never will be.

[Redman78]

Yes I do, Keita has failed to deliver so far.

I also think he is better than Hendo in an attacking role.

And would be our best replacement for Bobby if he's having a bad game or needs a rest etc.

I would consider starting him over Origi also.

In what way do you think he's a good replacement for Bobby?

[farawayred]

In what way do you think he's a good replacement for Bobby?

Bobby plays in a weird position, essentially 9 and 10 at the same time. I don't think anyone can replace him in that role. If he is out, we would have to change the formation. Maybe then Shaq can be in the 10 role, where he probably feels more comfortable, but we don't have out-and-out striker... I think Shaq is a good player, but he's not well suited for the way our team prefers to play. If we have no choice, then we'd adjust.

[Roger Federer]

Bobby plays in a weird position, essentially 9 and 10 at the same time. I don't think anyone can replace him in that role. If he is out, we would have to change the formation. Maybe then Shaq can be in the 10 role, where he probably feels more comfortable, but we don't have out-and-out striker... I think Shaq is a good player, but he's not well suited for the way our team prefers to play. If we have no choice, then we'd adjust.

We've never seen it, I guess because Klopp doesn't really trust Shaqiri off the ball in that important central role, but in an attacking sense, not a whole lot would have to change if you replace Firmino with Shaqiri. He doesn't make the same forward runs (which makes Firmino so unique, as you say, he's a number 9 and 10 rolled into one), but he's good at playing the final pass, and would presumably link up well with both Mane and Salah running ahead of him. Similar to how Firmino does when he drops deep.

You could also play Shaqiri on the right and move Salah to the center. That changes the formation a little, but you'd still have 3 similar roles on the pitch with Shaqiri the playmaker, Salah the striker and Mane as a mix of both.

[Trump's tiny tiny hands]

Has the cube had plugs??

[Red Eyed]

Has the cube had plugs??

That's what I was wondering  . It takes ages for transplanted hair to grow, I think he's just dyed it and added some thickener

[PIPA23]

been fantastic tonight... great to see!!

[Kopenhagen]

Very, very good tonight. Cubeinho szn.

[SpartanTree. No deccies or lights.]

3 or 4 brilliant pieces of skill had me laughing...absolutely brilliant.
Played well tonight and great to see him get a goal.

Well in!

[aw1991]

What a man, so good to have him back!

[Chakan]

Brilliant performance

[Macphisto80]

Tidy and assured. Looked like he's never been out of a first XI. Done enough, surely, to get more games now.

[jepovic]

Great game. Sweet, sweet set piece deliveries

[MNAA]

Pleased for the lad. What a luxury to have. Hardly put a foot wrong tonight. Fine goal too

[y2w902]

He was great tonight, fantastic to have him back.

[T.Mills]

Wow! Go Cube.

[SMASHerano]

Crucial he gets games now like he did last season during that insane December run.

[lgvkarlos]

Sensational tonight, considering first start since Jan.

[Racer]

Wow what a performance he was magnificent and reminded everyone what a key player he is for us. His touch was exquisite

[medley]

I always love how he plays the smart pass all the time. Very rarely gives the ball away. All his flicks seem to reach their man as well!

[oxenstierna]

Great performance and great hair

[mallin9]

Excellent player

[downtown]

Did he give the ball away once tonight?

Fantastic in tight spaces and very clever with his passing. Lasted all 90 mins too. Take a bow!