How Xherdan Shaqiri is closing in on Manchester United legend David Beckham’s all-time record for goals outside the box
XHERDAN SHAQIRI only knows how to score stunners - and now the Stoke star is closing in on David Beckham’s spectacular record.
The Swiss midfielder banged in the latest of his long-range beauties against Newcastle on Saturday.
Although his 30-yard thumper did not prevent the Potters from losing the Premier League clash 2-1 to the Magpies, it did edge him closer to the record books.
His strike was his sixth successive goal from outside the box in the English top-flight.
And that now puts him just two behind ex-England captain and Manchester United legend David Beckham and Blackburn’s former ace Tugay.
Goldenballs and the popular Turkish international were both famed for their sizzling strikes.
And they lead the way when it comes to bagging from outside the box consecutively.
Beckham’s final effort from distance in his eight-goal streak came at the start of the 2000/01 season for the Red Devils.
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Seven years later he saw that record levelled by Tugay.
Now Shaqiri has that record in his sights and will be hoping to overtake the duo before the end of this season.
The ex-Bayern Munich and Inter Milan man coincidentally began his current hot streak against Newcastle two years ago with a 20-yard winner.
He followed that up with a splendid free-kick against Middlesbrough on the opening day of last season.
However, Hull City have suffered most at the hands of the Stoke’s slayer.
They were on the end of not one, not two, but THREE outstanding goals from distance as Shaqiri found the net in both fixtures against during the last campaign.
THE MARKSMEN - THE MEN WHO HAVE SCORED THE MOST CONSECUTIVE PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX
Goals 8
David Beckham - 05/09/2000
Tugay - 20/10/2007
Goals 7
Craig Gardner - 02/12/2012
Tom Huddlestone - 26/03/2014
Jonjo Shelvey - 01//02/2015
Goals 6
Ian Harte - 22/12/2001
Laurent Robert - 13/04/2002
David Thompson - 24/11/2002
Xabi Alonso - 20/09/2006
Pedro Mendes - 10/02/2007
Sebastian Larsson - 05/12/2009
Christian Eriksen - 04/10/2015
Xherdan Shaqiri - 16/09/2017
Now it is champions Chelsea in his sights as he attempts to close in further on creating history.
Antonio Conte’s side travel to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
And you can bet last pound that the Stoke faithful will be screaming from the stands to “SHOOT” whenever he gets the ball in the opposition half.
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