Xherdan Shaqiri is one of the most talented players in the Liverpool squad, there's no doubt about it.That being said, the Swiss international has never been able to convert his undoubted technical ability into regular starts for the reigning Premier League champions.In fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan player was on his way out of Anfield this summer after struggling for game-time in 2019/20.
Lincoln vs Liverpool
Nevertheless, stay to this point he has and there could be no denying that being given a place in the starting XI for Liverpool's Carabao Cup opener was a big opportunity for the midfielder.
Sure, you can only turn Jurgen Klopp's head so much when the opposition are League One Lincoln City, but there's no harm in trying to make an impression on the manager.
And that's exactly what Shaqiri did during the opening exchanges at Sincil Bank when he got the game underway with a truly stunning free-kick.
Shaqiri's stunning free-kick
Shaqiri has always been revered as one of the best free-kick takers in the business, but his strike in the East Midlands is right up there with some of his finest.
Be sure to check out the blockbuster strike down below:
Take a bow, Xherdan, take a bow.
Minamino doubles the advantage
Things got even better for the Premier League side just moments later, too, with Takumi Minamino producing a brilliant strike of his own after Lincoln cheaply gave away possession.
The ball quickly fell to the Japanese international after Liverpool pick-pocketed their opponents and he fired the visitors into a surely-unassailably lead with a curling, right-footed effort.
Check out the similarly incredible strike down below:
That's not a bad way to bag your second goal for the Reds.
Both Minamino and Shaqiri are on the peripheries of the Liverpool squad and face an even tougher task to break into the starting XI after the summer signing of Diogo Jota.
Nevertheless, ignoring the fact that Lincoln were their opponents, you can't ask for more from either player than scoring an absolute belter and we're sure it won't be lost on Klopp.
