Liverpool analysis: Xherdan Shaqiri’s transfer and Takumi Minamino’s concern for Roberto Firmino

A Shaqiri Transfer Rethink?

This is what Xherdan Shaqiri has always been able to do, show off his star quality that he can and so often has made a difference.

First things first, the Swiss international kicked off Liverpool’s seven-goal bonanza Thursday night against Lincoln City with a sensational free kick from the right edge of the penalty area into the upper left corner.

Playing in a more unusual and slightly deeper midfield position, Shaqiri highlighted what he could do by finding space and propelling Liverpool forward at every opportunity, while linking the game between holding players and attacking.

He was impressive on several occasions picking up the ball and spinning quickly to release the pressure on his side and give himself time before picking another player in hyper turquoise, while his interaction helped create a number of opportunities at the LNES stadium.

Meanwhile, his set pieces were hailed as “outstanding” by Jurgen Klopp and his pace of work would certainly have impressed the manager: he always went back to help the team in all areas of the field.

And Shaqiri’s star quality was evident to all, helping Liverpool establish a dominant performance over their League One rival.

Liverpool, of course, are open to offers for the midfielder during this transfer window, but this performance would have done him no harm by causing players like Klopp to reconsider the impact it could have on a relentless and busy season for the Premier League. . champions.

Minamino will have Firmino worried

Takumi Minamino was hired from RB Salzburg in January to play as substitute for Roberto Firmino, but now Liverpool’s No. 9 might be a little more concerned as his unwavering position at the head of the field is threatened.

During the Reds’ 7-2 win, Minamino was excellent and constantly caused problems for the home team with his willingness to fall deep to find the ball and go unnoticed running between the lines, in the same way that Firmino does too.

He landed his first goal and Liverpool’s second of the night, magnificently after Harvey Elliott pounced on a poor pass from Lewis Montsma before slamming it into Divock Origi in an instant. The Belgian striker left it behind for Minamino and superbly landed a curling effort the first time in the upper left corner.

The Japanese international was tireless during the match and led the Liverpool press from every start, pestering and harassing Michael Appleton’s players.

In fact, less than a minute after halftime, Minamino chased after another Lincoln kickoff, which led to the ball falling to Jones, who passed it before Elliott’s shot was blocked and Minamino went home.

Of course, this is a team two divisions behind the Reds, but Minamino’s performance and his willingness to have a constant crack on the goal and get rewarded for his efforts should give Klopp to reflect on who leads the line. Liverpool on Monday against Arsenal.

I would suspect that Firmino is at the top of the list, but given Minamino’s excellent preseason performances, nothing can be taken for granted and that’s exactly what Klopp and Michael Edwards would have wanted.

Creating a competition that, in turn, will push players to strive for better performances while improving the overall team, will certainly help the Reds in their quest to claim more titles in this period.

The cavalry arrives

Several players gave excellent testimonies of themselves in helping Liverpool advance to the fourth round of the League Cup.

There was Adrian who, when Lincoln started to step forward and throw caution to the wind to grab a consolation goal, he lived up to almost everything and made several important and smart saves to prove that he is one of the best backup goalkeepers. in the Premier League.

He was caught for Lincoln’s second goal when he tried to claim a corner before Montsma headed home, but overall he proved his worth and would certainly have frustrated the home side in the second half, which had a lot more at stake.

Listen to our Lincoln City 2 Liverpool 7 post-game podcast HERE

Meanwhile, teen star Harvey Elliott was excellent too, proving once again that his skills on a soccer field are only getting better.

The 17-year-old was upbeat and constantly demonstrated for the ball, connecting very well with Curtis Jones and giving Lincoln’s defense a torrid time down the right and when he cut inside.

He was confident of driving defenders while having a crack on goal and almost reaching the scoreboard.

Kostas Tsimikas, who made his debut, gave an excellent account of himself by constantly jumping down the left and constantly throwing vicious crosses while defending when called upon and Neco Williams produced a similar display on the opposite flank as the Anfield faithful know he can. .

The young Rhys Williams, another debutant in center, also showed composure on the ball and good vision before Liverpool’s third goal, while Marko Grujic, who scored the sixth himself, read the game and spread the play well, linking with those around him to get Liverpool moving and he showed confidence with the ball at his feet with a good interaction in the middle of the park.

It really highlighted the in-depth strength Liverpool now possess with the astute recruitment and development of Klopp and his staff at the forefront of success.