The former Reds captain admits the jury is still out on a forward who could flop at Anfield or go on to shine in an attacking role like Sadio Mane <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Xherdan Shaqiri\u2019s enigmatic talents mean he could flop for Liverpool like Mario Balotelli, admits Phil Thompson, but there is also a chance he could star in the Sadio Mane mould.<\/p>\n
The Reds have not taken much of a financial hit in acquiring the Swiss star, with \u00a313 million ($17m) all that was required to trigger a release clause in the contract of a player relegated with Stoke in 2017-18.<\/p>\n
Jurgen Klopp made that move in order to add greater depth to his squad, as first-team attacking berths are already sewn up at Anfield when everybody is fit.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Shaqiri could prove to be a useful option, with his creative ability without question, but Balotelli\u2019s ill-fated spell on Merseyside offers a timely reminder of how transfer gambles can backfire.<\/p>\n
Former Reds skipper Thompson told Sky Sports of an inconsistent 26-year-old addition: \u201cHe\u2019s a player, as we know, who is maybe not a workaholic at the moment like Klopp would like.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut my goodness he\u2019s got an assist, he\u2019s got a goal, set plays.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo that\u2019s the great thing Jurgen has done with the transfer market. He has identified the areas which he needs to improve his squad and gone for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cShaqiri, yeah maybe a few problems about him, but he\u2019s got this in his locker. Set plays, corner kicks, he delivers into dangerous areas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s going to a club now which in all intents and purposes is a bigger club than what Stoke is. I think the expectations and the demands on him will be as it should be.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt \u00a313m it is a snip and I hope upon hope that this goes right for the boy.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could be a Balotelli move, then again it could be a Mane move and that is the thing. He\u2019s got to learn and that is the only thing, this high-pressure game that Jurgen demands from everybody.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody has to fit in and Shaqiri has to bring that to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shaqiri made 92 appearances across three seasons for Stoke, netting 15 goals, and will be hoping to make his Liverpool bow in a Premier League opener against West Ham on Sunday.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n