Liverpool fans rave about Xherdan Shaqiri after Switzerland display on Thursday

By Will Butcher

Xherdan Shaqiri laid on two excellent assists as Switzerland earned a 3-1 victory in their first 2022 World Cup qualifying match over Bulgaria – and Liverpool fans have raved about their pocket-sized midfielder on Twtitter.

Shaqiri, 29, has only managed 18 appearances for Liverpool this season as he remains firmly planted down the pecking order. A lack of momentum, due to some niggling injuries, has seen Jurgen Klopp overlook him on occasion.

But the former Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Stoke City star started for Switzerland on Thursday night as the Swiss looked to make the perfect start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign – and they did just that.

(Photo by Anton Uzunov/Getty Images)

A 3-1 win over Bulgaria, with all three Swiss goals coming in the space of six first-half minutes proved enough. Shaqiri was excellent throughout, clocking up two assists in what was his 84th cap for his country.

Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead with a header after seven minutes, before Shaqiri set up Haris Seferovic to get the second after 10. A third came after a delightful cross from Shaqiri was headed home by Steven Zuber.

Liverpool fans raved about Shaqiri’s performance, as the £13million playmaker (BBC) reminded both fans and Klopp what he was capable of when given the chance. Perhaps, his performance could give him some confidence.

https://twitter.com/GRBOX73/status/1375213219464220674

https://twitter.com/MeridaAtHome/status/1375192002497810434