Hugo Ekitike started at Liverpool, second friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Monday evening, supporting Mo Salah’s goal in the first half
Florian Wirtz is pleased with former Bundesliga Foe Hugo Ekitike for his team after paying close attention to the forward exploit at Frankfurt.
At the first £609 million, Ekitique is the second most expensive arrival in Liverpool this summer, after Wiltz, both appearing in front of Anfield crowd for the first time against Athletic Bilbao on Monday night.
And while former Bayer Leberkusen star Wiltz seized home fans with his silky touch, Ekitike stepped in with the strength and running power he demonstrated when supporting Mo Salah’s first half goal.
Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 Frankfurt games last season, touching on a strong campaign at Anfield despite the possibility that fellow forward Alexander Isaac could arrive.
“He’s a really good player,” Wirtz said. “I enjoyed watching him in Frankfurt and I was really happy he decided to come to us.
read more: Florian Wirtz is unable to hide his true feelings with Liverpool’s transfer fees after record signingread more: Anfield’s response of two Liverpool stars speaks volume ahead of the £100 million transfer exit
“In the training sessions, things were already going well, and in the game there were some combinations.
Like Ekitike, Wirtz considers his role in his new club to be a provider of his teammates as the Reds are seeking back-to-back Premier League titles.
“Of course, the big challenge is getting the title again, and that’s the most difficult thing,” he said.
“But I am just trying to create opportunities and I can run a lot against the ball.
“So I’m going to try and bring this to the team, and I hope we can use the ball to make our teammates better by getting them to a better situation.”
Liverpool – Virgil van Dik, Allison, Joe Gomez and Connor Bradley were on the stage for the Bilbao match – will open the Bournemouth Premier League title on Friday after meeting Wembley’s Community Sea-Elves Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Join the new WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of mirror football content. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Sky Sports Discount Premier League and EFL Packages
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has cut the prices of Essential TV and Sky Sports bundles ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering over 1,400 live matches in the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, showing an even greater increase of up to 100.
