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Paul Merson backs Thiago and Xherdan Shaqiri to revive Liverpool
Paul Merson has told that Thiago and Xherdan Shaqiri could be the two players to get Liverpool back to winning ways.
The reigning Premier League champions have stuttered of late.
Since thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0 they have drawn twice and lost once, losing their top spot to Manchester United.
The two great rivals meet at Anfield on Sunday and Liverpool are in desperate need of a positive result.
Merson has been discussing the champions and thinks Thiago and Shaqiri could be instrumental.
He told Sky Sports: “Liverpool are struggling without that guile in midfield. They’ll need Thiago to play every week. He’s the one who sees that pass.
“I think Jurgen Klopp knows this now because he’s even bringing Xherdan Shaqiri in, someone who you’d have previously thought might not play another minute for Liverpool. He can pull the ball through the eye of a needle.
“Without that, it takes the Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino X-factor out of the game.
“Thiago must play every week.”
TBR View – Could Klopp unleash the pair on Sunday?
Thiago seems almost certain to play against Manchester United.
The £20 million player has worked his way back to full fitness and a start against the Red Devils seems likely.
It would be a big surprise to see Shaqiri start.
The Swiss performer has made cameo appearances in the last two games in the Premier League and did claim two assists from the bench in the FA Cup on Friday night.
Starting him would be a shock though, considering he hasn’t started a game for so long.
The player is a decent player to bring on but, for now, he may have to remain patiently for a starting opportunity.