Florian Wirtz reveals why his partnership with Hugo Ekitike is flourishing, citing a “very close” off-pitch friendship and a shared record of six goal involvements this season.
Organic Chemistry: Wirtz defines the partnership as a “joy,” highlighting an off-pitch friendship that has translated into on-pitch success.
Statistical Impact: The duo has already combined for six goals across all competitions this season, becoming the most productive pair in the squad.
Mutual Growth: Beyond his own performance, Wirtz explicitly stated his goal is to help Ekitike “achieve his goals,” signalling a selfless tactical shift in his playmaking.
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
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
There hasn’t been much to get excited about as Liverpool fans so far in the 2025/26 season.
The Premier League title race has been over for some time, while the Reds may not even make it into the Champions League this term.
But Ekitke and Wirtz’s blossoming partnership has been a rare positive on Merseyside.
Florian Wirtz on Hugo Ekitike partnership at Liverpool
Now, in an interview with Liverpool’s official website, the German has been quizzed on what it’s like playing with Ekitike.
He said: “Yeah, I said it often already that it’s really a joy to play with him. We have so many good players in the team. You can see that he’s one of the guys you like to watch.
“Even for me, I like to see him on the pitch and in training. It’s just fun to combine with him, he gives me a lot of assists already and I just try to help him also to achieve his goals.
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“He’s a good friend of mine. We are very close. So yeah, it’s just fun to play with him.”
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.
Credit: Johnnie Izquierdo/Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
How Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are working so well at Liverpool
In recent weeks, we have seen Wirtz operate in a hybrid 10 role, often drifting left to create space for Ekitike to exploit centrally.
The striker recently noted they “speak the same language of football,” which is evidenced by their high-frequency “one-touch” exchanges in the final third.
Meanwhile, with Alexander Isak sidelined until March, the Wirtz-Ekitike partnership has become Liverpool’s primary source for goals.
Isak will return before the season is out, and it will be interesting to see how Slot gets the trio into the same eleven.
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