STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Xherdan Shaqiri of Stoke City celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Hull City at Bet365 Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Stoke City midfielder, Xherdan Shaqiri, has been a thorn in Hull City’s side this season as the Swiss international scored three goals in the two fixtures between the Premier League clubs.

Shaqiri played an instrumental part in Stoke City’s two victories over Hull City this season. In their first meeting of the season, the midfielder scored two fantastic free kick goals to lead Stoke to a 2-0 victory at the KCOM Stadium.

This past weekend, Shaqiri was once again a factor in the club’s 3-1 win over Hull, as he scored an absolute wonder goal. Additionally, he picked up an assist on Marko Arnautovic’s opening goal of the match, which brings his assist total to two in the 2016/17 season.

It was a massive goal for a player who’s been out with injury for most of the campaign with Stoke. In his first two matches back with the club, Shaqiri has scored a goal and provided two assists, which has been a huge statement after receiving criticism from some over whether or not he still has it.

Shaqiri showed how dangerous he can be in the midfield in his two performances against Hull, however, he needs to show the same scoring prowess in bigger matches. All four of his goals this season have come against bottom of the table clubs.

With four massive matches on the horizon for Stoke, Shaqiri will need to step up and deliver goals for his side. He’s already looked decent in his first two matches back and it’s foreseeable that he could get more goals and assists in the final few matches. A strong showing against Swansea City on Saturday could even further see him return to his former self when match-winning goals were more accustomed to come from the 25-year-old.

Stay tuned to AllStokedUp this week for coverage of the big match against Swansea City.