The Reds staged two friendly matches against Bilbao on Monday as part of their build-up to Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace. ..Continue Reading
A youthful side featuring Rio Ngumoha, Ben Doak, and Trey Nyoni comfortably defeated the Spanish visitors 4-1 before Arne Slot rolled out his senior lineup for the second fixture.
New arrivals Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz started alongside Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a transfer potentially totaling £79 million.
Ekitike impressed in the attacking third, playing a pivotal role in the first goal which was finished by Mohamed Salah.
Dominik Szoboszlai threaded a pass through to Ekitike, who surged forward and expertly set up Salah for the opener.
The French attacker featured for 57 minutes in the 3-2 win, frequently drifting in from the left and causing Bilbao plenty of problems.
After watching his dynamic performance, Liverpool fans are now confident the 23-year-old can slot in on the left flank, allowing Isak—if signed—to lead the line centrally.
One X user wrote: “Ekitike can 100 per cent play on the left if Isak joins btw.”
A second said: “Ekitike looks really good drifting to the left for me.”
A third suggested: “Ekitike – Isak – Salah.”
A fourth added: “Ekitike still not the lethal goal poacher we need it makes sense why we want to splash money on Isak.”
Another said: “Ekitike looks class, keep the 130m we want to spend on Isak, and spend it elsewhere. Hugo looks incredible.”
So, if Slot eventually lands Isak, then he could have a front three of Ekitike (LW), Salah (RW) and Isak (CF).
An attacking trio of Ekitike, Salah and Isak would stand Liverpool in good stead to defend their Premier League title in the 2025/26 season.
Ekitike hasn’t responded to reports linking Liverpool with a move for Isak, but he gave a telling answer when asked about his versatility in attack.
He said he can play both ‘alone’ and ‘with another’ striker, fuelling speculation and exciting Liverpool supporters.
“I can’t define myself only as a striker [who likes] to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play [and] create also,” he said during his official unveiling.
“So, I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker.”
