01 Nov 2019 15:33:05
Hi Ed001 just finished listening to the latest Liverpool pod good fun and good quality as always. Wanted to ask about Shaqiri I agree with what you were both saying, do you think he will be allowed to leave next year as I just don't see him gaining Klopp's trust. And if that happens is there someone you think that could step up or be signed to replace him in the squad?
Thanks Ed.
{Ed001's Note - he would be allowed to leave if he wished yes. I am not sure we need to replace him, have we missed him while out? I think it would just give some younger players, such as Elliott and Jones, more chances to get in and around the first team squad.}
01 Nov 2019 16:54:13
I think we need somebody with his quality and experience to rely on as backup for our front 3. Last year Shaqiri was key in us winning a couple of games against parked buses (his brace against Utd comes to mind) and he was very decent against Barcelona in the Semifinal (put in a great cross for Gini to equalise) . I don't think it's right to rely on kids such as Brewster and Elliot to start in crucial matches such as a CL semi final.
01 Nov 2019 18:08:47
At this point we haven't missed him but we will need him as a rotation option when the fixtures inevitably pile up or when someone is out and also for the different skillset he offers to anyone else in the squad. I'm all for the youngsters but in this case I don't see one being ready for that role, if Shaqiri were to leave then in my opinion we have to take the opportunity to improve on him I'm curious if you've seen or heard of a player Klopp would fancy Ed?
{Ed001's Note - not off the top of my head.}
01 Nov 2019 20:18:12
Could Marko step into he's place if he was to leave. I know they are different positions but thought I’d ask anyway?
{Ed001's Note - I don't really see how Grujic could play the same role as Shaq does. Grujic is very much a central midfielder and growing into a very good one as well.}
01 Nov 2019 20:26:19
I’ll be honest tris I’ve not watched him since he’s been out on loan. But really nice to hear that he’s doing well.
Will he be coming back to us to play first any time soon?
{Ed001's Note - if a work permit can be obtained and he wants to return, I expect him to be in the first team squad next season.}
01 Nov 2019 23:02:19
Spot on, Ed regarding Grujic. He is ripping it up in the Bundesliga right now and is regarded as one of the best CM's in the Bundesliga right now. I think if all conditions are met and he wants to come back, we will have a way better, much improved Marko Grujic on our hands than the one we had before he went to Hertha.
As for Shaq, I don't feel we should replace him either cos it makes no sense to replace players who don't play or ones who you have not missed. Get a young guy in to get games and chances to see what he's got. Just my opinion.
02 Nov 2019 02:40:45
While replacing Shaq isn't much of an urgency at the minute, Ed002 has said we may look to a LM/ CAM in the summer to replace Shaq and add more depth to our forward line. If Grujic comes back, it will likely be at the expense of Milner and Lallana.
02 Nov 2019 11:56:08
Good shout, IB. I can agree with that.