Bayern Munich vs Liverpool: 5 Players that have played for both clubs | UEFA Champions League 2018/19

#3 Xherdan Shaqiri

Shaqiri won the Champions League with Bayern

A graduate of the famed Basel academy, Xherdan Shaqiri was always destined to become the next big superstar of Swiss football. Basel’s academy has given the world of football many wonderful talents, ranging from Mo Salah to Granit Xhaka to the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Gokhan Inler.

So, it was no surprise when Bayern Munich splashed €10 million to sign the pint-sized attacking midfielder in 2012. Despite his obvious talents, Shaqiri always knew that it would be hard to dislodge either of Franck Ribery or Arjen Robben from the first team.

Therefore, despite his limited game time, the Swiss man performed decently whenever given a chance. In his two and a half seasons with the club, Shaqiri made 81 appearances, chipping in with 17 goals in all competitions for the Bavarian giants.

A spell in Italy with Inter Milan followed, before the Premier League and Stoke City came calling for the attacking midfielder. Shaq spent three seasons at the Britannia Stadium until their relegation at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Taking advantage of his side’s relegation, Liverpool triggered his £13.5 million release clause to bring him to Anfield. After a good start to his first season, Shaqiri has faded away a little.

In spite of the presence of Liverpool’s famed front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah, Shaqiri would be hoping to play a positive role on Wednesday’s encounter against his former employers.