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Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp issued Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane warning
MOHAMED SALAH, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane shouldn’t be cosseted too much by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp admits it is 'difficult' to leave players on the bench
That is the view of former Liverpool and Stoke striker Peter Crouch, who reckons Xherdan Shaqiri could gatecrash the party.
Shaqiri joined the Reds for a bargain fee of £12.85million from Stoke last summer, however he has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot this season.
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The Swiss international had a devastating left foot during his spell at the Britannia and Crouch has fond memories of their time together with the Potters.
Although Salah, Firmino and Mane usually get the plaudits, Crouch is convinced Shaqiri could provide the Anfield outfit with a different dynamic if he gets a regular run.
“There is no escaping the fact that it was a difficult 12 months but I wasn’t in the least bit surprised Liverpool took advantage of his release clause,” Shaqiri told the Daily Mail.
“For someone with his ability, £13million is a bargain in this day and age and I’m only surprised that more clubs didn’t register an interest.
“I know he is going to have a big season. I saw the ball he slipped in to Salah at Huddersfield last week and the pass he played against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. These showed me he has found his feet.
“Maybe the difficulties he experienced at Stoke have helped the penny drop.
He is genuinely special — it’s up to him to prove it
“He is playing for a manager now in Jurgen Klopp who will not tolerate anyone who shirks their defensive duties and if Shaqiri adds that to his game, he will be an exceptional talent.
“You need belief in yourself to thrive at Anfield and that is something he has got in abundance.
“Nobody has ever doubted his talent and now it seems he is maturing.
“Perhaps he appreciates what an opportunity he has been given.
“Liverpool look the real deal this season. They are so dynamic and so exciting and their squad is primed to push for the biggest trophies.
“Shaqiri might just be the man who provides the final ingredient to the team.
“He is genuinely special — it’s up to him to prove it.”