Hugo Ekitike started for Liverpool in their second friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Monday evening, and assisted a goal for Mo Salah in the first half
Florian Wirtz has linked up with Hugo Ekitike at Anfield this summer
Florian Wirtz has linked up with Hugo Ekitike at Anfield this summer
Florian Wirtz is happy to have former Bundesliga foe Hugo Ekitike on his team after paying close attention to the forward’s exploits at Frankfurt.
At an initial £69m, as it stands Ekitike is the second most expensive arrival at Liverpool this summer after Wirtz, with both appearing in front of the Anfield crowd for the first time against Athletic Bilbao on Monday night.
And while former Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz dazzled the home fans with his silky touches, Ekitike got them on their feet with the strength and running power he demonstrated when assisting a first half goal for Mo Salah.
Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt last season, and he is tipped for a strong campaign at Anfield despite the potential arrival of fellow forward Alexander Isak.
“He’s a really good player,” said Wirtz. “I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt and I was really happy that he decided to come to us.
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“In the training sessions things already went well, and also in the game we had some combinations that were good. So yeah, I'm really happy that I can play with him.”
As well as Ekitike, Wirtz sees his role at his new club as being a provider for his team-mates as the Reds seek back-to-back Premier League titles.
“Of course, the big challenge is to take the title again, and that is the most difficult thing,” he said.
Hugo Ekitike was playing in front of Liverpool fans for the first time on Monday
Hugo Ekitike was playing in front of Liverpool fans for the first time on Monday
“But I just try to create chances, and also work against the ball because I can also run a lot.
“So I’ll try to bring this in the team, and then with the ball, I hope I can make the team better by bringing my team-mates into better situations.”
Liverpool - who were missing Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for the Bilbao matches - face Crystal Palace in the Community Shielf at Wembley on Sunday before opening up the defence of their Premier League title at home to Bournemouth a week on Friday.
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