Liverpool’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike is quickly settling into life at Anfield, and he says the arrival of Alexander Isak has been a positive influence.
The France striker, who leads Liverpool’s scoring charts this season with five goals in eight appearances, believes the two forwards can complement each other if the manager calls for it.
Ekitike joined Liverpool for £79 million just a month before Isak’s record-breaking arrival, giving manager Arne Slot a £204 million strike duo at his disposal.
With both players firing, Ekitike is confident that Liverpool’s attack has the firepower to trouble any defence.
Adapting to Life at a Big Club
Speaking to the media for the first time since his transfer, Ekitike shared his thoughts on competing alongside Isak.
“We play in such a big club… I can’t see any big clubs playing with just one striker in the squad,” he said.
“It is good that Alex is here. For me, at my age, I have a lot of things to improve and learn. It is good that he is here.
It is for the coach to decide how we want to play. I have been playing in a two-striker composition, one striker, I can do a lot of things.
If we have to play together, I can do that.”
The 23-year-old stressed his willingness to adapt to any formation or strategy Slot prefers, showing maturity and focus in his first weeks at Liverpool.
Learning From Mistakes: The Carabao Cup Incident
Ekitike missed Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a match where his absence was felt.
The striker was suspended after a second yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration during the Carabao Cup.
“That was not smart! Obviously, I punished myself a lot. I felt disappointed watching the boys from home on Saturday.
As I said, I apologise to everybody, to my teammates. It won’t happen again. I will just move on now, I am looking forwards,” Ekitike said.
The French forward’s reflection shows a player keen to move past setbacks and focus on helping Liverpool succeed.
Why Liverpool Won the Race for Ekitike
Liverpool beat out competition from Newcastle and Manchester United to secure Ekitike’s signature.
When asked why he chose Anfield, he explained:
“This was the best choice. The champions of England.
Great players and history, it just fitted for what I was looking for. It was the best option, I wanted to come.”
Clearly, Ekitike sees the club’s heritage and current squad as the perfect environment for his next step in football.
Slot Manages Squad Fitness Ahead of Istanbul
Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Istanbul, manager Arne Slot left Federico Chiesa at home after the Italian picked up a minor niggle in training.
Chiesa, who scored on Saturday and sparked calls for a start, will be monitored carefully as Liverpool prepares for their European outing.
With Ekitike learning from Isak and the squad managed cautiously, Liverpool look poised to maintain their attacking edge in both domestic and European competitions.