Liverpool have completed the signing of Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Jurgen Klopp says the move was a “no-brainer.”
The Reds made Shaqiri their third capture of the summer, following the arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho.
Filling out the squad in the attacking areas of the pitch has been a big priority for the Reds this summer, with just three senior forwards largely relied upon last season.
Shaqiri can play on both flanks, thereby giving the option to Klopp to rotate Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane when required—and the boss says the new arrival has all the qualities required.
Added to that, former club Stoke’s relegation meant Shaqiri was available for a low-cost deal of around £13.5 million, making it a straightforward decision.
“I think the English phrase to explain the decision to sign Xherdan is a ‘no-brainer,’” Klopp told LiverpoolFC.com.
“When someone like him becomes available in this way you have to react if you are smart – and we have.
“He has speed and ability, has the right amount of arrogance on the football pitch, real bravery to want the ball and influence things. To play for us these are mandatory requirements.
“We are the perfect move for him in this moment as well I think, because he needs to push himself and challenge himself and our environment encourages that.
“We will want him to express himself but also learn and improve the areas of his game where he can still make progression.”
On what Shaqiri can add to the squad, Klopp noted his versatility, but also the mentality of a player who was impressive at international level this summer.
“From our perspective, he is someone who makes a big difference to the squad and team, because he can fit in so many positions in our system. He gives us greater flexibility in how we can use our current players also. This is cool.
“I know him well from his time in Switzerland and especially Germany – I have been a long-time admirer. But the added bonus now is that he knows the Premier League and what it takes to perform in this uniquely intense environment.
“He also did really well at the World Cup – so he comes to us full of belief and confidence.
“Finally, Xherdan the person will fit in perfectly at Liverpool I believe. He has personality and drive – he is someone who will feed off the positive emotion of our crowd.
“He joins a dressing room of really good lads and I know they will welcome him with open arms and help him settle and integrate quickly.”
The need to sign players of a certain mindset and mentality has been an absolute requirement for Klopp, so there should be no fears over Shaqiri’s attitude.
Fans will look forward to seeing another goalscoring wide forward at the club, lessening the burden on Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino in the new campaign.
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