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So seems like he decided to stay so whatever deals we were working on must have failed to persuade him to move on. Looking at the way season has gone so far it looks like teams should have been allowed to field larger squads this year in my opinion.
If heās fit and in good mood, he can still be a solid backup option for us. We have realistically 4 senior backup forward players now, we know already that Jota (followed by probably Minamino) will likely play more than Origi or Shaqiriā¦ but Klopp proved he believes in meritocracy and there will be game time to fight for, for sure. I know Divock on paper offers something different, but Iām not sure he provides it enough when he plays, he struggles to bring the best of all his tools. Itās why I then prefer a more āfootballerā option, which Shaq is (without being so good, itās more that heās likeable). Weāll see what happens in January, Iām sure there will be some extra changes then.
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Saw the Swiss versus Germany game. He still has all the technical ability and wonderful touch, but he looked short of match fitness. Seemed to amble around, not really sprinting a lot. Iām sure heāll get sharper. Heās a good back up for us in certain games.
Yeah he is a better option in my view than 2 of the other back up players, and what with Covid he could prove useful.
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This has been one of the damning features of his game, other being not contributing in defensive buildups/tracking back.
The exact same pass he played against Midgetland.
Impeccable vision and technique. He just gives you the one moment in the game.
Heās a big asset in games like that.
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Heās got the talent, absolutely no doubt about it. Fitness and consistency, if only he couldā¦
Our broadest and ādeepestā player and he still manages to do what no other plyer we have can do and thatās get between the oppositions lines.
He also plays vertical passes none of this sideways and backward stuff all the time.
One of our coaches should take notes!
If he can stay fit, a good option for the number 10 role if needed. But weāve been having this same conversation foe two years. Hipefully these small injuries go away.
As long as he keeps his off the ball play going, he will be useful this season.
Just train Firmino to do the same things as the Cube does, problem solved!
While he was impressive, we might be going overboard with this. Jota has shown consistency and why he makes a very strong case for starting the games. But thereās a high chance when Shaqs is played for 90 minutes, he might not produce the same effect as he does in these cameos. He produces such breathtaking moments in the games, but goes missing a lot over the span of 90 minutes, atleast from what seen of him till now for us.
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Well he is fit now no reason not to start him
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He just can not do any worst than who heāll be replacing.
We really do need to train someone to be a 10 though as as it stands itās horrible.
Big Fucking Shaqs is the headliner on the Redemption Song Tour 20/21.
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I think you and I agree on one thing ā¦ the art of the vertical pass
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Bobby did do it but it seems to have all gone from him.
Impeccable 1st touch - gone
Through ball - gone
Tackling - gone
Scoring - mostly gone
I miss the old Bobby
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I think he goes missing through us relentlessly playing out and around defences, he comes alive receiving the ball between the lines and thats where Thisgo comes in he sees the pass to feet in between the libes and plays it.
Perhaps he just hasnāt moved up that level needed to be in the starting 11. I donāt know all I feel is that my patience has run out and Iāve given up trying. Itās been too long since I last remember Firmino putting in a performance. One or 2 touches a match isnāt enough anymore.
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Without VvD that means out fullbacks are less likely to be as adventurous.
That means we need players like Shaqiri who can open up teams through the center. I am glad we kept him this summer. Certainly more useful than Origi or Millimino.
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