Not many players can make themselves a fans' favourite before they play a minute of competitive football for the club, but then not many players score a scissor kick on their pre-season debut against Manchester United either.
Ever since that moment, Liverpool fans have been waiting to see Xherdan Shaqiri unleashed in the Premier League. A couple of cameos showed promise and his contribution to Liverpool's late show against Paris Saint-Germain last week did not go unnoticed. On Saturday, he was given his first Liverpool start against Southampton, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Within ten minutes, his shot had deflected in off Wesley Hoedt to break the deadlock, and in the final minute of the half his stunning free-kick came within inches of opening his Liverpool account.