da 888： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da brwin： It has been a difficult few months for Xherdan Shaqiri.
After a solid first season at Liverpool having signed from Stoke City following the Potters’ relegation to the Championship – in 30 appearances for the Reds, he scored six goals and provided five assists – he will have been hoping to make a similar impact this term. However, a calf injury saw him miss eight games, and now he is struggling to get minutes after finally returning to full fitness.
As such, it is being said he could now leave Anfield on loan to join Galatasaray in the Super Lig (Gunes via Sport Witness). Not only that, the 80-time Switzerland international is believed to be open to the move as he looks to get ready for Euro 2020 next summer.
From the former Bayern Munich man’s point of view, it is understandable that he feels he needs to leave to get more playing time. In Turkey, it is hard to imagine him taking up a more reserved role – one would expect that he would be one of the main men at the Turk Telekom Stadium.
However, there are at least two reasons why he shouldn’t leave the club in January. Firstly, from a club point of view, it would be negligent. Jurgen Klopp has limited cover as it is up front, with Divock Origi having to play on the left-wing as a back-up for Sadio Mane, as well as up front for Roberto Firmino. Mohamed Salah has missed just three matches, as well, even though he has been struggling with an ankle injury.
With so many games to come – Liverpool still have seven matches to play before the end of the year, and that could be eight if they reach the Club World Cup final – some of those star men will be calling out for a rest at some point at the beginning of next year, giving Shaqiri the perfect opportunity to prove himself. As we saw against Everton on Wednesday, a game in which he scored, when he is given the chance, he has the ability to take it.
From the player’s point of view, a move to Galatasaray would be a step down. Yes, he would feature more often, but the importance of the games would not be at the same level. This year, he has the chance to be a part of a historic campaign as Liverpool chase their first league title in 30 years, and as mentioned before, the number of matches the Reds will need to play will give the 28-year-old more than enough chances to shine.
He just needs to remain patient right now. Either way, his place in the Switzerland squad next June is surely safe, irregardless of how many matches he plays between now and then.
In the long-term, a move away from Merseyside may be in his best interests. After all, a player of his quality cannot be a bit-part player forever. For now, though, it is essential that he stays put, both for himself and the club.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans slam one pundit’s injury comments.