Shaqiri makes big impression

Shaqiri was behind many headlines last season during Basel's UEFA Champions League run. Yet even his biggest admirers doubted he could make an immediate impact after his switch to Bayern München in the summer. However, the 20-year-old Swiss international's pre-season with the German giants suggested that he would make an immediate impact.

For Bayern it has been an age since their last league title, with the club playing second fiddle to the current Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund for the past two campaigns. Though, Shaqiri has the Bavarian faithful believing they may have found the answer to their domestic problems.

Last season Bayern were accused of being unable to break down teams who sat deep and defended. Despite having some of Europe's most creative talents, such as Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery, in their ranks, Bundesliga opponents would often find a way to frustrate the eventual UEFA Champions League runners-up.

Shaqiri's performance in Bayern's 4-0 German Cup win against second-tier SSV Jahn Regensburg hinted that the young Swiss sensation may hold the key to unlocking well organized German defenses. During the German Cup match Shaqiri was introduced at the interval, shortly after he's introduction he scored a trademark free-kick before pulling the strings to set up two more.

"After Shaqiri came on, we played much more confidently," said coach Jupp Heynckes. "With him, we were more effective and better than before. I pushed the Shaqiri transfer and everyone who knows my opinion of him knows there is no danger of him sinking into obscurity. He has everything a footballer needs and shows it on a daily basis.

A reported transfer fee of €11.6m did not gain much currency with the rest of the Bayern squad; Shaqiri has earned his status on merit. "In the beginning you could see that the others did not have that much respect for me," he said. "'Okay, there is the little Swiss, is how it came across but this has changed now."

Many thought this would be a transitional season for the young Swiss starlet, with appearances from the bench. Yet there is such a buzz around the youngster that he started Bayern's first league game yesterday against Greuther Fürth.

Bayern so the game comfortably after goals from Müller, Mandzukic as well as an own goal.



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