Xherdan Shaqiri played the full 90 minutes for Liverpool upon his first Champions League start for the Reds since that semi-final victory against Barcelona in 2019.
It was enough for him to make an impact and show what he is all about, as Liverpool maintained their 100 per cent start in Europe.
Shaqiri, 29, played in a central role in an attacking quartet behind Takumi Minamino as Klopp maintained the usage of a 4-2-3-1 formation against FC Midtjylland.
When he was on the ball, Shaqiri linked up particularly well with Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Liverpool duo contributed brilliantly for the opening goal.
Georginio Wijnaldum picked out Alexander-Arnold who was darting down the right channel. The Liverpool right-back received the ball close to the edge of the box before slipping a pass back to Shaqiri, whose perfectly placed disguised ball found the England international who picked out Diogo Jota to convert the club’s 10,000th goal in all competitions.
Midtjylland’s Kenyan-born Australian midfielder Awer Mabil (L) vies with Liverpool’s Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri (R) during the UEFA Champions league Group D football match between Liverpool and Midtjylland at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 27, 2020. (Photo by Michael Regan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
He later almost got himself on the scoresheet after Shaqiri created a golden opportunity for himself during the second half. He produced a stunning run to the edge of the box that culminated in a delicious piece of skill which was eventually thwarted by the visitors.
Shaqiri’s ability on the ball also extends to a pin-point delivery from crosses. Particularly from the left-hand side, where he can deliver dangerous in-swinging balls from deep.
The Switzerland international is also just as influential when it comes to taking set-pieces. His only goal of the season so far took place against Lincoln City after Shaqiri rattled home a stunning free-kick off the underside of the crossbar during a 7-2 victory at Sincil Bank last month.
Shaqiri created one goalscoring chance for his team, made two interceptions, one clearance and enjoyed 64 touches to cap off a well-rounded performance from the former Bayern Munich prodigy.
Liverpool bought Shaqiri back in 2018 after the club activated his £13 million release clause from Stoke City and his set-piece deliveries are worth this fee alone.
Supporters will never forget the influence he had during arguably Anfield’s greatest ever performance against Barcelona where Shaqiri assisted the all-important third goal for Wijnaldum.
This was a very competent return to Champions League action from him and it will not be a surprise to see him clock up more appearances in Europe’s premier competition this season.
For only a second start for Liverpool in just under 10 months, this could hardly have gone any better, with the team going on to win 2-0.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool interacts with Alexander Scholz of FC Midtjylland after the UEFA Champions League Group D stage match between Liverpool FC and FC Midtjylland at Anfield on October 27, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell –
Reaction
Here is a look at how Liverpool fans reacted to Shaqiri’s performance…
Shaqiri should be playing more often than Minmino
— Afia ba Kwame💬 (@Missta_Ntow) October 27, 2020
100% Shaqiri is so underrated
— Guinean GOAT (@HeIsFromGuinea) October 27, 2020
shaqiri’s one of the most talented players at the club
— ⭕️🏴 (@lfcOwain) October 27, 2020
Said before that Shaqiri is more than capable of being an excellent option for LFC this season. Just injury prone
— Will (@dug_8) October 27, 2020
Tonight proves what a player we have in Shaqiri. Rarely plays but when he does hes fantastic.
— Jordan 🏆 (@Jordan_LFC19) October 27, 2020
If Shaqiri stays fit, he's probably in our best front four currently.
— Hazza (@AzzurriLFC) October 27, 2020
Shaqiri is criminally underrated. When he’s fit he’s a ridiculous option for LFC 👏🏼
— Scott Phillips (@s_phillips8) October 27, 2020
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