Hugo Ekitike has arguably been the biggest reason to watch Liverpool this season after a flying start to his Reds career.
The Frenchman was the least heralded of Liverpool’s big summer signings last year, but has outshone the others to put himself in contention for the player of the season award.
Silky in and out of possession and clinical in front of goal, Ekitike has won fans over with his personality as well as his goals, assists and football intelligence.
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Lately, the 23-year-old has also struck up an extremely promising partnership with fellow new arrival Florian Wirtz.
He and Wirtz both assisted each other on Monday as they came off the bench to help Liverpool beat Barnsley in the FA Cup, and as their on-pitch understanding grows, Ekitike has explained exactly why they are clicking so well.
Hugo Ekitike delights in Florian Wirtz partnership
There were positive signs right from the start of Ekitike and Wirtz’s time in the Liverpool team together. It took just minutes for them to combine in August’s Community Shield match.
But in recent times their understanding has grown to the point where supporters are now genuinely excited to watch them play together.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike celebrate after Ekitike scores against Barnsley during the FA Cup tie for Liverpool at Anfield.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Ekitike is clearly enjoying linking up with the 22-year-old as well, telling Sky Sports that they both ‘speak the same football language.’
“Obviously Flo, I was watching him,” he said. “When I was talking about a beautiful player to watch, he’s one of them. I played against him in Germany but he’s someone I was watching in games, I love the way he plays, he’s someone who smells football.
“He’s a really, really good footballer and I think we speak the same language of football, that’s why we clicked. We just needed time to play with each other to become even stronger, a stronger link and to play good football. I think we speak the same language and it’s really nice to share the pitch with that kind of player.”
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How do Liverpool build on Ekitike and Wirtz partnership?
After a sticky beginning to the season, many supporters were questioning Liverpool’s summer business.
The Reds spent heavily on a much larger number of players than usual, but by December only Ekitike had really shown the kind of promise expected of him.
Nevertheless, with Wirtz also now coming to the party in a big way, Liverpool’s vision is beginning to take shape. Aged 22 and 23 respectively, it is clear that Wirtz and Ekitike are the future at Anfield.
The next question for Arne Slot to figure out is how to build the rest of the team around them. Alexander Isak will obviously figure in this when back fit once again, and that trio are going to be absolutely key in everything Liverpool do over the next three, four years and beyond.
With Wirtz and Ekitike clicking, it should be easier for Isak to then slot in as well. That can take this partnership to the next level and ensure Liverpool’s attack is in safe hands in a post-Mohamed Salah world.
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