Image Credits: Imago Images
When Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in the same summer, the question on everyone’s mind was obvious — how would they all fit in?
With Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo already in the squad, the Reds suddenly had one of the most crowded attacking lines in Europe.
For many clubs, that could spell tension.
But at Liverpool, the mentality has always been different.
Under Arne Slot, competition is not about rivalry — it’s about raising standards.
Ekitike has made a bright start since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m in July.
He already has six goals and one assist in 15 games, showing signs that he can thrive in the Premier League.
Still, with so much talent around him, questions about competition for places were always going to come up.
The 23-year-old, however, sees things through a team-first lens.
When asked if there was “competition” among Liverpool’s forwards, Ekitike said to Sky Sports, “I don’t think it’s the right word.”
He explained further, “We play for the same team.”
“Obviously there’s only a few places on the pitch but we play for the same team, so we grow together, share the pitch and we just push each other to get better.”
“That’s how I see competition.”
The Frenchman believes success will come with time and understanding.
“It takes time to see the quality.”
For the new players, we come from different clubs, we have to find links, play together.”
“It takes time to have the perfect team in terms of playing and collective.”
He’s confident it will all click soon, “It can work, definitely.”
“We need to train together, play together and it will get better.”
For Ekitike, Liverpool represents more than just a career move.
“It’s just a club to me to keep progressing, keep improving myself.”
“A serious club with big values, great supporters, top stadium.”
“So I’m definitely sure it’s the right place for me.”
As Liverpool prepare to face Manchester City, Ekitike knows what’s at stake.
“It’s the kind of game I love to play, I love to prepare.”
“I set my mind to be ready for that day.”
And despite a tough start to the season, he insists the team is on track.
“It’s not perfect now, but at least when we go in the game, I can feel that the boys give 100 – even more than 100 – per cent of themselves.”
“We are a different team to face. So we just have to keep going on that way.”
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