Sunday’s World Cup Group E tie between Brazil and Switzerland certainly created a number of headlines, not least as the Swiss held Joachim Low’s side a point in a 1-1 draw.
Of interest to Stoke City fans was, of course, the performance by want-a-way winger Xherdan Shaqiri and it was in many ways a typical performance from him. He got the assist on the day for their goal and he did create some problems up front – although largely it wasn’t a great day by his own attacking standards.
Whilst he had a fair amount of support for his attacking intent across the 90 minutes, his defensive display wouldn’t have come as a surprise to many, and again whilst there were those on social media who defended him on that score, plenty more found themselves turned off by the overall showing and leaned on his lack of tracking back and closing appropriate space. More importantly, the numerous times he left Stephan Lichsteiner isolated and facing two or three players as Brazil attacked down their left flank.
With Shaqiri’s desire to secure a move away from the club following relegation and his stated preference to remain in the Premier League, with Liverpool, Everton and Southampton largely the heaviest linked with an interest in him, the Brazil game didn’t exactly win him many fans.
A quick scout of the interweb left Liverpool fans as the most torn. There were those in favour.
I am pretty sure that after today’s #WorldCup match #BRASUI many #LFC fans will know why we want to sign #Shaqiri… pic.twitter.com/J7kh4TgME5
— BenjiB.LFC (@SignoreBB) June 17, 2018
I meant he was playing well.
— LFC Dagger (@lfc_dagger) June 18, 2018
Not the greatest of support for the lad… team mates etc. Switzerland too busy defending
— Drew Red (@Drew67524116) June 17, 2018
Decent
— Virgil (@VVD1990) June 17, 2018
All within the context of a game plan. Hasn't pressed them into submission or tracked back to his own goal line because he hasn't been asked to but he's worked hard and been ready to turn play over quickly on the counter which is perfect for us.
— Dan McLaughlin (@Dan23_92) June 17, 2018
Liverpool fans saying Shaqiri wouldn’t work hard enough so therefore they don’t want him.
Lazy opinion & shows you don’t understand football. If you did you’d know each team have their own tactics & just maybe he isn’t lazy?
— Dijkinho (@Dijkinho) June 17, 2018
Exactly but average knowledgable/savvy football fans don’t take into account, systems, tactics & manager influence.
If he was perfect in every way he wouldn’t be at Stoke but we have seen what Klopp does to those with talent. He unearths it to new levels.
— Dijkinho (@Dijkinho) June 17, 2018
And those not so much.
Of course or we will release that he’s shite
— DAN???????????????? (@FAB_DUA_LFC_18) June 17, 2018
Lazy
— JayEmCee (@JMCYNWA) June 17, 2018
Average
— Phil Barnes (@ClinicalKloppo) June 17, 2018
Shaqiri without the ball is awful.
— Ian Ryan (@Ian1892T) June 17, 2018
I would fear for Shaqiri's life if he had a preseason under Klopp.
— Fab iano (@redmysterio96) June 17, 2018
That shaqiri just isn’t for me. His work rate and team ethic is a million miles from what we want and have
— jay phillips (@jay82phill) June 17, 2018
Thought Shaqiri was awful must avoid at all costs
— Van The Man (@DavidVaughan5) June 17, 2018
Self delusion: the act of thinking Xherdan Shaqiri would be a player to take Liverpool forward……surely a reason he went from Bayern to Stoke. ????
— Nick Husain (@HusainNick) June 18, 2018
As said, those were the mixed reactions – taking a look across our sister Vital Network sites, they seemed even less impressed with his showing.
Southampton Should Stay Away From Proposed Target – Reminds Some Of Boufal
Brazil Game Shows Everton Fans Why We Should Stay Away From Stoke Winger
