Former Liverpool midfielder Nigel Spackman feels Xherdan Shaqiri is better off as an impact substitute in the big games for the Reds.
Shaqiri was handed a start when Liverpool hosted Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League and scored the second goal in his side’s 2-0 win.
The 27-year old has started in just three Premier League games for Liverpool this season as Jurgen Klopp has slowly integrated him into the playing eleven.
Spackman, however, feels Shaqiri is more suited to the role of an impact substitute in the high tempo big games.
“In certain games you can certainly play him, but in the big games with a high tempo I think he is better coming off the bench and influencing the game”, Spackman said on LFC TV.
“That is taking nothing away from him.
“If he gets a run in the team then he's got to show his true class going forward and defensively.
“In the Premier League you can't just stroll around and play when you get the ball.
"You've got to do the other side of the game as well.”
In eight Premier League appearances so far for Liverpool, Shaqiri has managed two goals and two assists and will hope to get more starts as the Reds enter a busy period after the international break.
Liverpool climbed up to second and moved above Chelsea in the Premier League table after matchday 12 as the Blues were held to a draw by Everton.
