‘I can’t have players like that’ – Gary Neville blasts Liverpool target over poor work ethic

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Gary Neville has captioned familiar fears over Xherdan Shaqiri amid speculation linking him to Liverpool.

The Swiss international was criticised by the pundit for his lack of professionalism prior to his nation’s 1-1 draw with Brazil on Monday night.

Shaqiri and his team capitalised on an uninspiring second half performance from Tite’s men to secure a valuable point after Steven Zubar’s controversial headed equaliser.

The Stoke City man may have been at hand to assist his side’s leveller, but once again divided opinion over his work ethic.

Speaking to ITV, Neville said: “I’m not a fan of Shaqiri to be honest with you. I think that was, to be fair, worse by the fact that he distanced himself from his teammates as Stoke.”

“They were unprofessional last season Stoke there’s no doubt and he epitomised it. He could score the goal of the tournament and he could have the most amazing game.”

“But he could also be there for three matches, do nothing and just amble and wobble around.”

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Shaqiri’s undeniable talent persists to be tarnished by doubts over his commitment to the gritty side of the game and to working for his teammates.

That said, it seems unlikely Jurgen Klopp would turn to a man exposed for such traits if he didn’t feel capable of polishing him into a suitable fit to a system that thrives on high intensity pressing.

A disjointed first-half performance from the Swiss was followed by a much more assured and well-drilled response after the interval, with Shaqiri marketing his ability to drift across the front line and serve as a nuisance to his opposition’s defensive shape.

Reds need have few concerns over Klopp getting him up to speed if a move to sign the playmaker if successful.

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