Xherdan Shaqiri capped a superb display for Switzerland to complete a heroic turnaround in Friday’s Group E clash with Serbia.
The Liverpool target kept his composure in the final minute of normal time to burst through on goal before calmly slotting home from close range.
It marked a welcomed reminder of what a steal he could prove to be for £12million as a player with the pace and final product to flourish in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
From the drive from the half-way line to the relaxed finish, the Stoke City man’s goal had shades of Luis Suarez’s effort in a 4-0 win over Everton in 2014 when he picked the pocket of Phil Jagielka before slotting past Tim Howard.
the speed from Xherdan Shaqiri. what a goal. brilliant turnaround from Switzerland #SRBSUI#WorldCuppic.twitter.com/LvjYlKxFEC
— ㅤㅤ (@itswazzz) June 22, 2018
#onthisday 2014: #LFC beat Everton 4-0 at Anfield, thanks to goals from Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and a brace from Daniel Sturridge 🔥 pic.twitter.com/x473wOniha
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) January 28, 2017
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Shaqiri went close earlier on in the game when he grazed the woodwork with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The poor work ethic the 26-year-old is so often criticised for proved non-existent on the night as he flitted across the pitch in acknowledgement of his importance to Switzerland getting back into the game.
Besides showcasing his talent in the final third, he demanded the ball in all areas of the pitch to shoulder the responsibility as his side’s primary playmaker.
On the back of performances like that, it’s difficult to find a flaw to signing him purely as a backup to Liverpool’s front three.