Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have formed a great understanding with one another at Liverpool.
There have been few positives at Anfield this season, but the duo’s blossoming partnership is certainly one.
Ekitike is being compared to a Brazilian legend by Arne Slot and former England international Gary Lineker.
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PROVE ME WRONG: Hugo Ekitike WILL have a better Liverpool career than Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez prior to Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield.
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Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand isn’t happy with Wirtz and what he has been doing at Liverpool in recent weeks.
The summer signings have already combined for six goals during the 2025/26 campaign, and will break a record set by Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard if they link up on one more occasion this term.
Gary Neville sends Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz message to Liverpool
However, while Wirtz and Ekitike are already thriving, Gary Neville has sent some advice to Liverpool on how to get the best out of the pair.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “Just get Wirtz close to Ekitike, get them close together.
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“Get them near to each other, and you’ll be in business, you’ll score goals, because he’s got a real sort of what would be quality in tight areas, and he can find the pass, and he can manipulate the ball and understand where he is.
“He [Wirtz] knows where he is. So it’s a real unique quality to be able to do that.”
How many goal contributions will Florian Wirtz end 25/26 with? He’s predicting some ‘crazy’ numbers!
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
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Arne Slot can’t afford to hinder Liverpool stars with one decision
After their recent performances together, there can be no denying they have become Liverpool’s most important players.
However, it would not be surprising if Slot looked to drop one of the duo in the coming weeks for Cody Gakpo.
Milos Kerkez’s connection with Wirtz has helped the left-back improve, while he generally struggles when the Dutchman is playing in front of him.
We also recently saw Ekitike dropped to the bench for Gakpo in a meeting with Bournemouth, which did not end well.
Slot does like to start the ex-PSV man on a regular basis, but his continued inclusion in the team has the potential to derail the Ekitike and Wirtz connection that has helped Liverpool so much in recent weeks.
Manchester City are next up, and both players must be in the side if the Reds are to stand any chance of earning a positive result.
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