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Rant of the day: Liverpool could reap rich success if Klopp handles the hot-headed Shaqiri

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By Drew Griffin

Xherdan Shaqiri was brilliant on his debut as he smacked home an incredible bicycle kick and even assisted a goal as Liverpool defeated Manchester United 4-1 in the International Champions Cup.

The Swiss star only joined training on Wednesday but he seemed to be in line with our playing style from the minute he stepped onto the pitch.

Jurgen Klopp stated that the debut was not normal and Shaqiri certainly seems to be enjoying his time at Liverpool already, even though it was just a friendly.

There were many concerns about Shaqiri joining us given that the player seems to be a little temperamental but Klopp is the man who is right for the job if we are to see the best of the Shaq.

The German does not like any players stepping out of the line, as we have seen with Mamadou Sakho in the past. The French defender had numerous issues during his time with Klopp and was banished from the side.

Klopp even waited for six months before allowing Sakho to the leave the club and that is a fear that most Liverpool players will have about not doing the things the German wants.

Now, I’m not suggesting that Shaqiri is a troublemaker. We haven’t come across many real situations from the clubs he has been but it is true that the player has a bit of an edge. However, that could make him ideal for our team this season.

We do not have enough tough men in the side and if anyone can be a little rough with the opposition, that is Shaqiri. Klopp will have his hands full as he tries to play down the expectations of a first Premier League title coming to Liverpool but we have all the ingredients for a proper title challenge.

Shaqiri could be central to it after his performance against United. After all, it takes a lot of ability to score with a bicycle kick. It also proves that the player is extremely confident in his ability to even try something like that against our bitter rivals.

Klopp has been wonderful for Liverpool since taking over at the club and keeping Shaqiri at his best could be crucial for us.

Shaqiri is a beast but on some days, he goes missing. This is something that Klopp has to handle. However, the German has done most things right at Anfield so far and getting the best out of the Swiss star should be easy for him.

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We might get to see another bargain signing turning it on at Anfield and if Shaqiri continues playing in the same vein of form as he did against United, this season will be something special for sure.