Stoke City star Xherdan Shaqiri is apparently close to breaking a Premier League feat held by ex-Manchester United midfielder David Beckham.

The former England international shares the record for the most consecutive goals from outside of the box alongside Blackburn Rovers legend Tugay with eight.

Shaqiri is no stranger to weaving his magic from outside the box as he was done several times for Switzerland over the course of his international career. The Swiss managed a stellar long-range finish in Stoke City's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United last weekend, and this took his long-range strike tally to six in the top-flight.

The 25-year-old's sequence started in a 1-0 win against the Magpies back in March 2016, and he has since netted against Middlesbrough and Hull City (three times) prior to his effort at St. James’ Park. Despite his impressive equaliser in the second period, the Potters could not seal a point as Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles popped up with the winner late in the game.

Shaqiri will now look to extend his scoring tally when the Potters entertain Chelsea at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Mark Hughes' side have secured a win and a draw over Arsenal and Manchester United respectively this season, and they will be hopeful of grabbing at least a point from the Blues game, although their opponents have a good record in Staffordshire.

Stoke City have maintained the physical aspect of their game under Hughes, but the club also have more creative players in their ranks with the likes of Shaqiri, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Jese Rodriguez capable of producing standout performances on their day. The Potters finished below the top 10 positions for the first time under Hughes last season, and the Welshman is keen to avoid a similar repeat, although it could be another tough season in the Premier League.