Hugo Ekitike Shines in Liverpool’s Pre-Season Victory Against Athletic Club

Liverpool’s pre-season preparations for the 2025-26 campaign are off to a promising start, and one of the standout performers has been their summer signing, Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old French forward made his mark during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club on Monday night, providing a key assist that exemplified his creative vision and ability to link up with teammates.

A Promising Start for Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool earlier this summer from Eintracht Frankfurt, a move that excited fans eager to see the young talent adapt to the Premier League. During Liverpool’s second pre-season match, Ekitike showed why he was such a highly sought-after player. In a match where Cody Gakpo stole the headlines with a brace, it was Ekitike’s assist for one of Gakpo’s goals that truly showcased his potential.

As Sky Sports highlighted, Ekitike’s precise through-ball split Athletic Club’s defense, allowing Gakpo to finish clinically. The Frenchman’s performance wasn’t just about the assist; his movement, vision, and ability to create space for his teammates were on full display. His chemistry with Liverpool’s attacking players, including fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz, promises an exciting season ahead for the Reds.

Florian Wirtz and Ekitike: A Budding Partnership

Another summer signing, German playmaker Florian Wirtz, has also been making waves in pre-season. Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, spoke to Liverpool FC’s official website about his early impressions of life at Anfield. He expressed excitement about linking up with Ekitike, describing him as “a really good player” with whom he already feels a strong connection.

Wirtz emphasized the importance of building rapport with his new teammates, stating, “In the training sessions already, he [Ekitike] went well, and also in the game, we had some combinations that were good.” This budding partnership between Wirtz and Ekitike could become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attacking strategy this season, as both players bring a mix of creativity and technical skill to the pitch.

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Momentum

With the pre-season now complete, Liverpool is shifting its focus to competitive fixtures, starting with the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley. Manager Arne Slot, who took over the reins at Liverpool last season, has been pleased with the team’s performance during pre-season, particularly the contributions of the new signings.

Slot praised the team’s attacking play against Athletic Club, noting that the integration of players like Ekitike and Wirtz has added a new dimension to their game. The manager’s focus now turns to ensuring that these performances translate into success in the Premier League, where Liverpool will begin their title defense against AFC Bournemouth on August 15.

What Ekitike Brings to Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike’s arrival at Anfield marks a significant step in Liverpool’s ongoing evolution under Slot. Known for his versatility and ability to play both as a central striker and on the wings, Ekitike offers tactical flexibility that could prove invaluable in the demanding Premier League schedule.

His background in the Bundesliga, where he impressed with Eintracht Frankfurt, has prepared him well for the physicality and intensity of English football. Ekitike’s knack for linking up with teammates and creating goal-scoring opportunities is expected to complement Liverpool’s high-intensity style of play, making him a key asset as the team aims to retain their league title.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, Hugo Ekitike’s promising start at Liverpool has set high expectations among fans and pundits alike. If his pre-season performances are any indication, the young Frenchman could play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s quest for silverware this season.