Liverpool transfer news: Xherdan Shaqiri's attitude questioned by former teammate

Charlie Adam questioned his commitment at crucial times in Stoke's relegation fight

Tuesday 31 July 2018 02:59 EDT
Comments
Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool
Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool have been warned about Xherdan Shaqiri's attitude by one of his former teammates.

Charlie Adam played alongside Shaqiri at Stoke last season as they were relegated from the Premier League before joining Liverpool this summer.

He marked his debut by scoring a superb overhead kick in a 4-1 pre-season victory over Manchester United.

Adam described Shaqiri as a "top player", who deserved to be at a club of Liverpool's stature, but questioned his commitment at crucial times in Stoke's relegation fight.

"He's a big player, at times he did well for us," Adam told the BBC. "But in critical situations, I felt tracking back and what we needed for the team in a relegation battle just wasn't there.

"He has got it in him, but he probably knew we were going to get relegated, he was going to the World Cup and had this big move - this move was probably done three, four months ago.

"He is a match-winner, but at times it was difficult to play in the same team. The manager would let him get away with certain things."

Adam said Shaqiri could soon start to grow impatient if he struggled to hold down a first-team place.

Shaqiri scored on his Reds debut
Shaqiri scored on his Reds debut (AP)

"He might get frustrated at not playing as much as he wants - it's how long he waits and what (manager Jurgen) Klopp does with him," the Scot added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in