Hugo Ekitike referred to Ryan Gravenberch as Guehi after the win over Qarabag
Hugo Ekitike referred to Ryan Gravenberch as Guehi after the win over Qarabag
Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has jokingly referred to teammate Ryan Gravenberch as Marc Guehi after his performance in the game against Qarabag. The Reds booked their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League following a 6-0 triumph over their Azerbaijani opposition on Wednesday.
Hit by an injury crisis at the back, Reds boss Arne Slot named Gravenberch at centre-back, playing him alongside Virgil van Dijk. The midfielder helped his side keep a clean sheet, earning the name "Guehi" from Ekitike on Instagram.
Liverpool were without Ibrahima Konate, whose father passed away last week, for a third game, and lost Joe Gomez to injury at the weekend. With Giovanni Leoni a long-term injury absentee, Gravenberch started at the heart of their backline ahead of fellow midfielder Wataru Endo.
The Netherlands international delivered an assured performance at the back as his side put six past Qarabag at Anfield. He made 10 ball recoveries and created two chances, while completing 94% of his attempted passes. He also made a block and two interceptions as the Reds kept a clean sheet in the game.
Liverpool tried to sign former Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi last summer, even agreeing a few with the Eagles before the deal fell through at the last minute. The Englishman has since joined Manchester City, leaving the Reds to pursue 20-year-old Frenchman Jeremy Jacquet.
They were dealt a further blow in the game as right-back Jeremie Frimpong had to come off with a muscular problem just minutes in. The Dutchman joins Conor Bradley, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, on the sidelines for the Reds.
Liverpool put six past Qarabag to secure top eight UCL finish
Liverpool were one of five Premier League sides to finish in the top eight of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League this season. The Reds downed Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield to ensure that they finished in third place, only behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the 36-team standings.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for the Premier League champions before Florian Wirtz added a second in the 21st minute. Mohamed Salah scored his first goal for the club since November with a direct free kick in the 50th minute to put them 3-0 up.
Hugo Ekitike added a fourth for his side seven minutes later before Mac Allister added a fifth just after the hour mark. Federico Chiesa came off the bench to round off the scoring in the 90th minute as his side ended the league phase with a flourish.