Why Tottenham should make a move for Xherdan Shaqiri

According to Football Insider (h/t The Express), former Spurs striker Darren Bent has claimed that Arsenal and Tottenham would both be keen on Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

Liverpool are on top of the Premier League after a fine run of form without losing any match so far. They have gone into the international break having a lead of 8 points over second-placed Leicester City.

Swiss international Shaqiri has been limited to the bench due to the presence of Mohamed Salah in the team. Since his £13m arrival at Anfield, the winger has featured in just 34 matches for the club. He might be frustrated with a lack of game time.

Shaqiri was signed as a back-up for their wingers, but Salah’s form and goalscoring record has made Klopp stick on to the Egyptian for most of the matches. Shaqiri’s injuries have also added misery to game time.

It is clear that Shaqiri’s chances of playing regular football would be hard to come and moving on from Anfield could be a better option to get playing time.

Darren Bent’s pick of Arsenal and Tottenham to be keen on the player shows the quality of the Swiss winger and he could make an impact for any of the two teams, given his ability and the experience of playing at a higher level.

It would be good for Shaqiri to move to Tottenham rather than arsenal as Spurs look to be in deep trouble at present.

Mourinho has two right-wingers at his disposal in Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela this season. Due to Harry Kane’s injury issues this season, the manager has asked Moura to lead the attack, thus deploying him as a centre-forward, while Erik Lamela has been left without a back-up.

Shaqiri’s addition to the team would just benefit the manager with various options up front. He can also fit in as a left-winger and as an attacking midfielder, thus giving Tottenham the extra bit of enthusiasm in their attacking ranks.

The Swiss has made 376 club appearances in his career and his experience would be a big influence on the team. He has also been influential for the Switzerland national team, most recently in the team’s run to the UEFA Nations League semi-final.

Dubbed as the Alpine Messi, Shaqiri is known for delivering strong left-footed shots, and has a great vision too. Playing for the Lilywhites alongside Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, Spurs’ attack would have an edge and on his day, Shaqiri can be a disaster for any opponent.

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Verdict

Should Shaqiri turn his back on Anfield, Tottenham would be a suitable destination for him. He can also continue at the top level without having to settle with a team outside the Premier League.

At 28, he still has the potential to make a mark for himself in England. Mourinho must take advantage of his ill-fated situation at Anfield and try to lure him to Tottenham by showing promises of regular game time.