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Liverpool news: Rio Ferdinand singles out the star man against Red Star Belgrade
LIVERPOOL midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri was the standout player for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the first half of the Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade tonight.
That is the verdict of Manchester United legend and BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand.
Shaqiri was named in the starting XI for the match at Anfield, alongside Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield in an attacking Liverpool side.
Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for the hosts midway through the half, with Shaqiri cutting open the Red Star defence with a pass, before Andy Robertson found Firmino.
And Shaqiri claimed the assist for the second goal scored by Mohamed Salah just before the break.
The way he’s probing, the way he’s picking up the ball in-between the lines. He’s been magnificent first half
Ferdinand was impressed with the Reds front three but says Shaqiri was the main orchestrator in the first half.
“It was the Liverpool that we’ve become accustomed to knowing,” he said.
“They were fantastic, the movement, the pace in which they broke.
“Firmino linking things, (Sadio) Mane and Salah running through.
“And the find for me has been Shaqiri in midfield.
“The way he’s probing, the way he’s picking up the ball in-between the lines.
“He’s been magnificent first half.
“He sees great pictures in that position in one of the three in midfield.
“It’s a new position for him but he looks as if he’s been playing there a number of years.
“He’s a fantastic little footballer who has really taken to this Liverpool team at the moment.”
Shaqiri joined Liverpool from relegated Stoke in the summer.
The Switzerland international initially struggled to break into the side but injuries have helped him get a regular spot in recent games.
Liverpool went on to win the game 4-0 at Anfield, with Salah and Sadio Mane adding to the scoreline after the break.