Hugo Ekitike impressed on his return to former club Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a crucial equaliser in Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League rout, a victory overshadowed by an injury sustained by strike partner Alexander Isak.
Ekitike later addressed their nascent partnership, admitting it was “not the best half together” but expressing confidence for the future.
Hugo Ekitike Shines as Isak Injury Mars Liverpool Comeback
Liverpool returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, but the commanding performance came at the cost of an injury to £125m striker Alexander Isak.
The match marked the first time the Reds’ two blockbuster summer signings, Ekitike and Isak, started together, forming a new-look attack under manager Arne Slot. Ekitike was the star performer, netting the vital equaliser in his return to his former club, a goal he refused to celebrate out of respect.
However, the partnership was cut short at half-time when Isak, who had missed pre-season and is still building match fitness, was withdrawn due to a groin issue.
Speaking after the game, Arne Slot confirmed the problem, stating: “Alex had to go off at half time because he felt his groin a little bit. That’s a pity. I’ve said many times, it is such a difficult balance to find with a player that missed three months.”
Ekitike later commented on the potential of the dual-striker system. “I think it was good,” he said. “Obviously, it was not the best half together but I think we can improve together. He’s a very good player. I know in time we need to work together and find a good association.
The links will come and it will work.” Ekitike, who has six goals in 12 appearances, is now expected to lead the line for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford due to Isak’s potential layoff.