Liverpool’s new signing, Hugo Ekitike, described his first experience at Anfield as “amazing” after featuring in the Reds’ home win over Athletic Club in England.
Ekitike played for 57 minutes during his debut appearance, where he registered a shot and an assist in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Athletic Club.
The 22-year-old, a summer arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, featured in the second of Monday’s double-header pre-season friendlies against the Spanish outfit.
Arne Slot’s side had earlier earned a 4-1 victory in the opening match before Ekitike’s contribution helped secure a second consecutive win in front of the home fans.
Ekitike told Liverpoolfc.com after the match, this.:
“It was such a good atmosphere for a first game for me.” “I feel proud and I just wish I will play so many games in this stadium because it is amazing.”
Slot named two different starting XIs across the day, with Ekitike lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones in the evening fixture. The Frenchman impressed with his link-up play and direct running, notably laying on the opener for Salah with a precise pass inside the box.
About his assist for Salah, Ekitike added:
“I’m still trying to find connections with the others in the last passes and even before.
“I enjoy playing with them. Outside of the pitch they are good guys also. So, I take pleasure to play with them.”
Ekitike admitted there were still “little things to fix” in his game but stressed the importance of adapting quickly as Liverpool prepares for the official start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking about Liverpool’s title defence, Ekitike stressed,
“We have a group of competitors, we want to win everything,
“We’re going to give 100 per cent, I’m sure about this. And me also, I’m going to give 100 per cent to win because I’m here to win.”
The Reds will next take on Crystal Palace in Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley before beginning their Premier League title defense the following weekend.
