Xherdan Shaqiri appears to be using the Gary Neville’s criticism as motivation

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Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri has made a bright start to life at Anfield.

He joined the club this summer for a paltry £13.5 million from relegated Stoke City.

So far he has been used a bit sparingly by Jurgen Klopp, but shone on his first Premier League start against Southampton last month, and most recently against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

He has already provided five assists for the team across all competitions and has shown great quality on the ball in the attacking midfield positions.

What is also notable about Shaqiri in a Liverpool shirt though, is his new-found desire to press.

He simply wasn’t known for such a thing at Stoke, but it has been evident during his few months on Merseyside.

Shaqiri is making Gary Neville look a bit silly

During the World Cup, Manchester United legend Gary Neville laid into Shaqiri for being out of shape and epitomising unprofessionalism.

His exact words, as quoted by The Sun, were: “I’m not a fan of Shaqiri to be honest with you.

“They were unprofessional last season, Stoke. There’s no doubt, and he epitomised it.”

Phil Neville also slammed Shaqiri, branding him ‘a disgrace’.

Liverpool clearly did not share the same views as Neville, and proceeded to snap him up in a bargain deal.

And so far, Shaqiri has looked everything but lazy or unprofessional.

The Swiss star appears galvanised and committed, which could be down to the effect of Jurgen Klopp.

It’s almost as though Shaqiri is actively using Neville’s words to carry him, and he’s left egg all over the ex-full back’s face.

His stinging criticism has lit an early fire under him, and Liverpool fans will be hoping it can burn for as long as possible.