Thrilled Jurgen Klopp uses ‘English phrase’ to label Xherdan Shaqiri signing

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Jurgen Klopp admits Xherdan Shaqiri offers the technical traits designed to make him a perfect fit in his system at Liverpool.

The forward arrived for £13million from Stoke City on Friday as a necessary boost to Liverpool’s strength in depth heading into the new season.

An all-out attack on the Premier League title called for further attacking reinforcements in light of the physically-demanding approach Klopp has installed.

In Shaqiri, Liverpool now boast a proven goalscorer and technician from the bench with the calibre to be a game-changer when called upon.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said: “I think the English phrase to explain the decision to sign Xherdan is a ‘no-brainer’. 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.”

Xherdan Shaqiri – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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Shaqiri’s experience in England’s top flight gleams as a bonus to the Reds’ plans to vary his role as an impact player and a viable alternative starter when required.

Liverpool’s acquisition of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain last summer underlined the value of versatility on Klopp’s transfer criteria.

The Arsenal man offered expertise that made him a useful option both centrally and out-wide as part of the front three, as Shaqiri’s also have.

His crisp deliveries and jinking runs on the flanks are glossed by a tendency to operate on the pivot as a feeder to the movement ahead of him.

Klopp may have just filled an underestimated void in expert fashion.

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