Xherdan Shaqiri has been looking to grasp his chance to nail down a spot in the Liverpool starting line-up - but things did not go to plan against Brighton at Anfield.
The Swiss star has found opportunities hard to come by in the last two seasons, making just seven appearances last term in their Premier League title-winning campaign last term.
An injury crisis for Jurgen Klopp’s side, coupled with a hectic fixture list, has seen him start four of their last five league games.
But things did not click against Brighton with captain Jordan Henderson overhead expressing his frustration at Shaqiri.
Henderson, again deployed at centre-back, was tasked with playing out from the back but often found his options limited in the first half.
According to beIN Sports at half-time, Shaqiri was a particular focus of Henderson’s frustrations as he was typically vocal and expressed criticism of his lack of movement.
Henderson did find Mohamed Salah in behind to create Liverpool’s best chance of the first-half but the Egyptian was unable to convert.
They went 1-0 behind shortly after the break with Klopp’s side able to find few answers despite Shaqiri being replaced by Divock Origi after an hour.
How did you rate Xherdan Shaqiri's performance vs Brighton? Have your say in the comments.
Discussing their attacking issues at the break, Joleon Lescott told BT Sport: “They have to try and find another way to probe and get forward.
“I think it’s pretty predictable, in regards to the way they’re trying to get in behind - it’s from Henderson or a deep lying midfielder to play long ball over the top to Salah.
“I think if they’re a bit more patient and probe a little bit more it means Brighton will have to adjust the defence.”
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