Shaqiri: It's a process but I'm learning quickly

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When a new signing arrives at the club, there is a collective thought process about how long he will take to adapt to new coaching methods and whether the fanbase will instantly connect with him.

 

For every Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and Mo Salah, there is a Milan Jovanovic, Fabio Borini or Mario Balotelli where you just have a sense that they are not going to have a happy spell at the club.

 

It may be early in his time at the club, but it is fair to say that Xherdan Shaqiri fits into the former category.

 

The Swiss attacking midfielder signed from Stoke in the summer, has been warmly embraced by the fanbase for his all-action style and creative mindset during games.

 

It was viewed by some onlookers that the signing of Shaqiri was the back-up plan or 'consolation price' for failing to land Nabil Fekir from Lyon.

 

The 27 year-old may have only made 13 appearances for the club, but his performances show that he is a quality player in his own right. Having bagged his first goal for the Reds in the recent 4-1 win over Cardiff City at Anfield, those partial to online betting might be tempted to back him to follow that up with another strike against lowly Fulham this weekend.

 

Shaqiri says that although it is a process at a new club, he is learning quickly and really enjoying his time under Jurgen Klopp.

 

Speaking to the Official site, Shaqiri said:

 

"The process is going very well - I think you can see that also on the pitch. I’m very happy to be here and I’m settling in very well, but I think it’s going to be much, much better the longer I settle in. 

 

"The coach has helped me a lot to improve and that’s the most important thing.

 

 

Jurgen Klopp doesn't like putting undue pressure on his new signings and often takes his time to bring them into the starting lineup. Shaqiri was no different in this regard.

 

However rather than get frustrated and downhearted, the solidly built attacker knew the plan all along.

 

“I think you need patience always in your life, so [you need it] in football too. 

 

“I knew my time would come and I spoke a lot with the coach, with Jürgen, so it was also important for me to have good conversation.

 

"Of course in the end the coach can only play 11 players but it was always in my mind to try when I came on to help my team, to make an impact and like I said before I am very happy with how the process is going.

 

"I am just trying to help the team when they need me, when I play from the beginning or when I come in, to be successful.”

 

Shaqiri has contributed three assists and one goal in four of his past five appearances for the Reds.

 

The first time he put the ball into the back of the net as a Liverpool player against Cardiff is a memory he will never forget.

 

“To be honest it was very special and I don’t know how to describe this feeling.

 

"I scored goals for other big teams also, but in front of the Kop was very special for me. 

 

"It was my first goal at Anfield and it was maybe not the most beautiful goal I’ve scored but it was a good one! 

 

"It was a special one and it will always be in my heart.”

 

A sign of an impactful player is that it is clearly noticeable when they are not on the pitch.

 

The absence of the former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan star was telling on Tuesday night as the Reds fell to a limp defeat against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

 

It is a credit to Shaqiri that he had that kind of impact in his time at the club.

 

Let's hope that he continues that vein of form for the foreseeable future. 

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[stringvest]

I really like him as a player, and I'm glad we bought him.  He'll get more game time once Keita and Fabinho are our regular spine.  We're in transition right now.

[El Rojo]

He’s become the best creative midfielder in the world on here over the games he hasn’t played in.

 

Really good little footballer but alone he won’t change much if the front three are still playing like plums.

 

Clearly a step up from Lallana though. 

[Kevin D]

Has he thought about going back in time and stopping Klopp from forcing Lucas out?

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Kevin D said:

Has he thought about going back in time and stopping Klopp from forcing Lucas out?

Shaqiri transcends time and only he knows if Lucas ever arrived or ever left.