Xherdan Shaqiri delivered a stern message to Jurgen Klopp with an outstanding display in Switzerland’s 6-0 win over Iceland. Liverpool’s summer signing was the architect of a dominant afternoon for his nation, serving as a constance menace in a central playmaking role.
The former Stoke City man was notably among the goals thanks to a curling free-kick that skimmed the head of an Iceland defender before finding its way into the far corner. He proved a danger from set-pieces all afternoon, with goals from both Haris Seferovic and Admir Mehmedi stemming from Shaqiri deliveries.
It marked the latest statement of intent from the 26-year-old in his bid to break into Klopp’s starting line up on Merseyside. Shaqiri is yet to make his full Premier League debut for the Reds, although performances like that of his last will do no harm to his chances.
A major feature to his display was the intensity and work rate that had been picked out as possible limitations to his value under Klopp.
Liverpool failed to sign an orthodox replacement for Philippe Coutinho in the summer, but the signs are there to suggest they may have another no.10 option at their disposal in Shaqiri.
Here’s what fans had to say about his efforts…
Wonderful display by Shaqiri, first his free kick turned into a goal and then he scored directly from a free kick. What a player we’ve signed. #Bargain pic.twitter.com/AZYmad1SwI
— Shadab Monjur (@Liverpool_World) September 8, 2018
Wonderful display by Shaqiri, first his free kick turned into a goal and then he scored directly from a free kick. What a player we’ve signed. #Bargain pic.twitter.com/AZYmad1SwI
— Shadab Monjur (@Liverpool_World) September 8, 2018
Caught the last bit of the first half, and the whole second half. Shaqiri has driven this. Don’t think he’s made a wrong decision, even while playing risky through balls. Class ??
— Kirk (@Kirk_Kirkleton) September 8, 2018