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Liverpool fans react to Shaqiri's 10-year challenge: He looked like Coutinho!

  /  autty

With the 10-year challenge taking over social media in recent weeks, Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri became the latest Reds player to take part on his own channels.

Posting a recent image of himself in action for Jurgen Klopp's side alongside a picture from his time at FC Basel in 2009, fans were quick to point out the changes in the Swiss playmaker.

While there is an obvious difference in the 27-year-old's hairline now compared to 10 years ago, he will be rather more flattered by the impressive growth of leg muscle on display.

However, that isn't all Liverpool supporters were noticing about the winger's 2009 image. Doesn't he look a bit like Philippe Coutinho?

Whether it's the darker hair on display or FC Basel's blue and red kit resembling the famous Barcelona colours there is certainly a likeness between Shaqiri and the former Reds star.

Initially thought to be little more than a squad player when moving to Anfield from relegated Stoke City last summer, Shaqiri has cemented his place in Klopp's starting XI in recent months and ultimately replaced the lost creativity of Coutinho following his own move to Spain last January.

Shaqiri has been one of Liverpool's standout players of the campaign so far, registering six goals and two assists in the Premier League with a match-winning brace from the bench against Manchester United cementing his place as a firm fan favourite.

In contrast, Coutinho has struggled at the Nou Camp this season, losing his starting role and registering four goals and two assists.