Lyon (AFP)

Packed with titles with Bayern Munich then Liverpool, the new Lyon striker Xherdan Shaqiri could make his debut in Ligue 1 against Strasbourg on Sunday (8:45 p.m.) by bringing his thirst for victory to an Olympique Lyonnais (OL) criticized for several months for his lack of personality.

The first days of the championship confirmed this observation despite the arrival of the new coach, the Dutchman Peter Bosz who replaced Rudi Garcia to establish an ultra offensive game of which the Lyonnais have not yet adopted all the principles, especially in terms of recovery. of the balloon.

For the moment, the record is not brilliant with a single victory at the expense of a harmless Nantes (1-0), where Shaqiri (29) was a substitute without coming into play, for two draws at home against Brest (1-1) and Clermont (3-3) and a rout in Angers (3-0).

- From luxury replacement to incumbent -

It is in this context that the Swiss of Albanian origin, born in the former Yugoslavia, arrived at the end of August for a transfer of six million euros (plus 5 million euros in bonus) from Liverpool where he was not. than a luxury replacement.

It is up to him to take up the challenge of being a holder in his new club, which sees him as a leader likely to pull the team to the top and a possible podium.

Champion three times both in Switzerland (Basel) and in Germany (Bayern Munich) and once in England with the Reds, with two Champions Leagues to his name (Bayern and Liverpool), Xherdan Shaqiri, 96 caps with the Nati (26 goals), has the profile.

Italo-Brazilian defender Emerson Palmieri, recent European champion with Italy and on loan from Chelsea, was also recruited for his ability to win titles, as was German center-back Jérôme Boateng, former Bayern and champion. of the world 2014 - but splashed this week by a heavy sentence in Germany for domestic violence.

Swiss striker Xherdan Shaqiri during his presentation at Olympique Lyonnais, August 25, 2021 in Décines-Charpieu PHILIPPE DESMAZES AFP / Archives

After the departure for Barcelona of Memphis Depay, who was OL's captain and playing master, Shaqiri has to shoulder a heavy legacy.

"We had been talking with (Shaqiri) for a long time. We needed a lane player who could strike. He is a player with a lot of experience, he is a champion," said Juninho, the manager. sportsman of OL.

- "A competitor" -

"He will also bring us a lot of things in the locker room," assured the former icon of Olympique Lyonnais who accumulated trophies in the 2000s.

"He can play on the right side, that's where we have seen a lot at work in the past. There is also his character, he is a competitor, he showed it during the Euro. thinks he will bring us a lot, "said the Brazilian.

The latter admitted that Shaqiri "would not score 15-20 goals in a season".

"But he is able to register a dozen and make assists," said the leader.

Xherdan Shaqiri in the colors of Liverpool, March 7, 2021 at Anfield PHIL NOBLE POOL / AFP / Archives

The Swiss will therefore have to surpass themselves: barred by competition from Liverpool, he scored only one goal last season for four assists.

Far, therefore, from the estimates of Juninho.

And in three years at Liverpool (2018-2021), Xherdan Shaqiri has participated in 63 games for a total of only eight goals (nine assists) including seven in the Premier League, a league in which he has never exceeded eight goals per season. .

It was in Stoke City in 2017-18 ...

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