With the media continuing to tentatively link Everton with a move for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri, the lack of firm details in that speculation is actually a bonus as it doesn’t seem like it will be a transfer that comes off.
With Stoke’s relegation last season, Shaqiri’s release clause and his own self-stated aim to remain in the Premier League if he can, it’s very much a case of the press linking him with any team capable of paying the reported £12-13million fee and if said side happens to be in need of a winger, it just helps.
Shaqiri’s quality in the final third is well known, but what’s also extremely well known is his lack of a team ethic when it comes to chasing back and putting in the hard yards. He’s very much a player that likes to look good when it suits him and he can take some headlines from a game.
That was abundantly clear in the recent World Cup clash this weekend against Brazil where he did get Switzerland’s assist but was anonymous for the rest of the game.
What did stand out was how often he left his fullback unprotected and that didn’t go unnoticed by fans and I don’t just mean Everton fans. He certainly doesn’t seem to have done himself much credit with that showing.
#Shaqiri played yesterday like an arrogant oompa loompa , I can see now why no top6 team in their right mind would want him #WorldCup2018
— ωilf (@Ucheguccigoo2) June 18, 2018
And finally, @GNev2 told us some rather harsh home truths about #Shaqiri that no one would ever have known so we'd better stay away from that lad. Not Neville btw, he's had laods experience in the game. Played at highest levels and managed all over Europe.
— Gerry Mac (@gmac72_LFC) June 18, 2018
As much as #Shaqiri looked fairly decent on attack what worried me was his movement off the ball. No desire to win the ball back after its been lost. That wont cut it for Klopp and #LFC
— Grant Fielding (@Grant_Fielding) June 18, 2018
Having seen #shaqiri yesterday I just cannot believe Klopp would have his laziness in the squad. Not buying the links and hope they’re not true. He’d drive us nuts. Spends 90% of the game walking around!
— Chris lubas (@Chrislubas23) June 18, 2018
#Shaqiri most overraited player
— dusan_luciano (@dusan_luciano) June 17, 2018
Think tonight's shown why so few of the big teams really rate #Shaqiri. Woefully mediocre, but thinks he's the best thing to leave Switzerland since toblerone. #SUI #WorldCup #bbcworldcup
— Luke Dady (@TheQuietLAD) June 17, 2018
I’ve seen him, but is he actually playing #shaqiri #efc
— Gaz8tta (@gaz8tta) June 17, 2018
Shaqiri – how to stand around like a pro.
Christ that lad didn’t even attempt to look like he’s bothered.
Glad we dodged him.#EFC
— Irish-Alex (@IrishAlexTattoo) June 17, 2018
Is this the Shaqiri Everton should steer well clear of or the Shaqiri who could be a little bargain for Liverpool??
— Matt Hand (@matthand82coyb) June 17, 2018
@Everton don't go anywhere near shaqiri…….. Lazy get @EvertonArentWe @TheBlueRoomEFC
— BigJaco (@bigjaco2010) June 17, 2018
Hope the shaqiri question is now dead and https://t.co/CnKGnM6hBf way he should play for everton.lazy git!
— smozza (@thesmozz) June 17, 2018