Leicester City: Making the case to sign Xherdan Shaqiri

After two years at Liverpool, super-sub Xherdan Shaqiri is being linked with Leicester City and other teams ahead of next season.

As with most rumours, Leicester City seem to be in the hat for the Switzerland international, along with Newcastle United as well as other sides, but what role would he play at the King Power Stadium, if one at all?

Shaqiri’s recent seasons have been limited to bit part performances, often coming off the bench for one of Liverpool’s explosive wingers, Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah. Since his arrival in 2018, Shaqiri has made 38 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions – starting just 17.

During his time at Stoke City, the Kosovo-born midfielder was the main man – which was expected given the repertoire of clubs he’d represented prior to playing at the Bet365 Stadium (Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and FC Basel). Only Joe Allen matched Shaqiri for starts, with both playing 36 out of a possible 38.

However, Anfield hasn’t be an easy place for Shaqiri to practice his craft – the frontline at Liverpool is merely impenetrable, which isn’t a fault of the 5’6” wizard, it’s more a compliment towards the wingers at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal. As such, his impact is predominantly off the bench – which to his credit has been efficient.