Ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy perplexed by Shaqiri snubs

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Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy cannot understand the lack of faith in Xherdan Shaqiri of late.

The Switzerland international was left on the bench against Everton last weekend as the team struggled to find a crucial breakthrough.

Jurgen Klopp started with Divock Origi in attack, and then introduced Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Adam Lallana in the second half.

Shaqiri was left to watch on as his teammates dropped more points in the title race.

Since starting in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City at the end of January, Shaqiri has played just 39 minutes of football in the league, and pundit Murphy is one of many people confused by the situation.

‘He’s been tremendous’

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Shaqiri is a bit of a strange one for me.

“He’s been tremendous in the games he’s come on. He’s contributed goals and assists and his attitude has been exemplary.

“It’s not like Shaqiri is a young lad, he’s played in World Cups and European Championships and shone. The big games don’t scare him, if anything he thrives on them.”

Shaqiri’s lack of game time is rather peculiar given his positivity on the pitch this season.

Liverpool have been lacking creativity from midfield in recent weeks, and his 10 goal involvments (four goals, six assists) surely suggest him as being a more viable option than some other players in the squad.