Xherdan Shaqiri compared to Lionel Messi by former manager

Xherdan Shaqiri’s former manager believes the Swiss international has a natural talent similar to that of Lionel Messi.

Shaqiri scored a wonderful volleyed goal against Fulham yesterday to help the Reds secure three important Premier League points as they aim to keep up the pace with leaders Manchester City.

And Thorsten Fink, who formerly managed Shaqiri at Basel from 2009-2011, has drawn comparisons between him and a player who is arguably the best in the world.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool scores during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield on November 11, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

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“Cristiano Ronaldo, he worked for what he achieved,” Fink said. “But Lionel Messi, he had it.

“He didn’t have to work for this talent. Ronaldo must work for this – work with this body, work with everything.

“For me, Messi has this talent. That’s also for Shaqiri.

“He has this talent to play. If he works very professionally, he can be the best player for Liverpool – not only a player.

“Every time the aim must to be better and make the next step. If you play for Liverpool not every week, it cannot be enough for him. His aim must be to play every week.”

“With his possibilities, it’s not enough to play for Stoke,” Fink added, speaking about Shaqiri’s time with the relegated club.

“He can play for the biggest club in the world because of the talent he has. That’s what I wanted.

“[He has] Everything for the perfect footballer.

“The only thing is: ‘Can you make the next step, Xherdan?’ If you want to play for Liverpool or Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Man United, and you want to play every time – not just be the man who sits on the bench – you need more professionalism.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com