Xherdan Shaqiri might have a part to play in the coming weeks for Liverpool

Thiago Alcantara emitted class. Aston Villa's youngsters captured hearts. Not only this, Sadio Mane got on with netting the ball. But beyond the banner headlines emerged crucial encouragement on a peculiar night for Liverpool.

However, it couldn't have been more on time. Xherdan Shaqiri had been on the Villa Park pitch a mere two minutes after accepting a pass from Thiago. Then, he secured a delicate ball into the area. Finally, Mane met to loop home a header for the Reds' third goal.

Shaqiri was fed in space again by Thiago merely after two minutes. However, this time he slipped a pass into the box for Mohamed Salah to turn.  And, finally, thump home to attain a 4-1 victory in Friday's FA Cup third-round mismatch.