Brian Kerr has a soft spot for Xherdan Shaqiri.
Brian Kerr’s description of Xherdan Shaqiri’s body shape has its place in history as one of the finest minutes radio has ever produced.
“He’s a little chunky fella,” said the Drimnagh native before going on to christen the Swiss as ‘Barreller.’
That was ten months ago now at a time when Shaqiri was doing nothing more than tipping away at Stoke City. In the meantime, he’s enjoyed an impressive World Cup and he’s moved to Liverpool.
Despite taking a while to settle at Anfield, over the last few weeks he’s really began to shape up and Brian Kerr is delighted for his old pal.
With Jurgen Klopp working wonders, the 27-year-old is playing the football of his life. He’s pushing Firmino, Mane and Salah all the way and that has to be considered a huge plus for Liverpool.
Shaqiri covers ground for Klopp. That was an area he previously struggled on and his end product is becoming more consistently brilliant now. Sounness, Kerr and Kilbane were all on Virgin Media Sport on Wednesday night to review Liverpool’s 4-0 drubbing of Red Star Belgrade and they were all impressed by the now leaner Shaqiri.
Before dismissing Origi and warning Sturridge that it’s his last chance saloon now, Sounness was glowing in his review of Liverpool’s most valuable sub.
“Shaqiri is definitely a door-opener,” said Sounness. “There’s no doubt about it,” he continued, “If you get him into the attacking third and he can deliver a pass, he’s got great touch and control and he sees a great picture.”
He’s also well aware of Shaqiri’s shortcomings, but he gets away with it.
“You couldn’t use him as a box-to-box midfielder, because his hamstrings wouldn’t allow that,” laughed Sounness.
“He’d be spending a lot of time on the treatment table. He might be willing to do it, that 60, 70 yard running, but his body would let him down…he’s a little power, burst (type of player)
Kilbane also feels the winger is coming of age.
“I think he’s learning all the time…he was criticised so often at Stoke for not working back…I think we are starting to see him,” said Kilbane.
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Graeme Souness, Brian Kerr & Kevin Kilbane discuss the impact Xherdan Shaqiri has had already at Liverpool and the role he can play going forward.#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/yO2uhwadqi
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 24, 2018
Fittingly, the last word was left to Kerr. And boy he didn’t disappoint.
“It’s a great opportunity for him in his career,” said the former Republic of Ireland manager.
But he’s still not letting him away with his strange physique.
“He’s still a trimmer barreller as far as I’m concerned…he’s still a strange shape.”
"He's still #Barreller to me." 😂 😂
Brian Kerr on his old pal Shaqiri after a good performance tonight.#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/5mQ8Po0ykE
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 24, 2018
Never change, Brian Kerr.
