Liverpool has long been looked at as a cup team, one that is built to win those competitions that don't involve 38 league matches and the entire season to play. And it's evident that this club just hasn't been a really good league team in a long, long time. Think about it -- Liverpool has never won the Premier League, with its last league title coming in 1989-90 when it was just known as the Football League First Division.
Don't look now, but could this be the year? Liverpool is off to its best start in Premier League history after beating Cardiff City 4-1 on Saturday. The club has won eight of its first 10, drawing the other two. The Reds are one of three undefeated teams in the league alongside Manchester City and Chelsea. The competition will be stiff, but the depth and confidence of this team could result in the club fighting for the title come the end of the season. The early season vibes have been positive.
Part of it has been due to that increased depth, especially the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri. Also, Daniel Sturridge's form has only improved this team's ability in attack.
Shaqiri, the Swiss international, was once looked at as a top young talent in world soccer when at Bayern Munich. But since then he struggled at Inter Milan before finding his form at Stoke City. And despite Stoke's relegation, his performances and wonder goals have increased his stock, with Liverpool taking notice in the summer.
So far, he's been worth every penny. He's added creativity, recorded a couple assists, and on Saturday, he got his first goal. Check out this lovely team passing and movement, with Shaqiri combining with Mohamed Salah for the goal:
Shaqiri also took his goal brilliantly. The squad depth we have now 🙌 #LFC #YNWA #LIVCAR pic.twitter.com/Pt5ZB4Ou9s
— TheKop.com (@TheKop_com) October 27, 2018
That's lovely stuff, and it's a good sign for Reds fans. Shaqiri isn't a consistent starter ... yet. His performances have continued to be strong, and he's making a case for Jurgen Klopp to start him. At worse, Liverpool has a fantastic player with tremendous ability to create coming off the bench. In his last five matches before Saturday, he had four assists. And now he has first official team goal.
Now, there's still a long way to go, but the Reds are set up well to possibly win the Premier League this season. Adding a player like Shaqiri only helps the team's case. Saturday was another example.
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