Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike says he welcomes competition for attacking positions in the team as it leads to the development of all players.
The Reds spent big in the summer, bringing Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to the club, adding to a front line that already included Mohamed Salah and Kodi Gakpo.
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Arne Slott’s side are yet to reach their full potential this season, but Ekitike believes the combination can work if Liverpool’s forwards have time to learn each other’s game.
Asked about “competition” for positions within the club, Ekitike said: “I don’t think that’s the right word.”
“We’re playing on the same team. Of course we have limited spots on the pitch, but we’re playing on the same team, so we just grow together, share the pitch and push each other to get better. That’s how I look at competition.”
“It takes time to determine the quality. With new players, we come from different clubs, so we have to find a connection and play together. It takes time to create the perfect team, both playing and collective.”
“It’s definitely going to work out. We need to train together and play together and we’ll definitely get better.”
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“Sometimes it’s the connection with people that makes it work easier, but sometimes it’s just spending time on the pitch and knowing the opposition player, what he likes, how he likes to run in the channels, how he likes the ball, coming in behind (or) playing link-ups.”
Despite interest from Newcastle United, the France international opted to join Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal in July and says the move to Merseyside was the right decision.
“For me, this club is just a club to keep progressing and keep improving ourselves. It’s a serious club with great values, great supporters and the best stadium,” he said.
“So I’m confident this is the right place for me.”
Liverpool supporters will be hoping the forward finds the right connections when they face Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Ekitike enjoyed this heavyweight clash, saying: “This is the game you love to play in. All the big players are on the pitch, it’s a big stadium, it’s a great game in the Premier League.”
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has settled in well since joining the Champions.
“This is the kind of game I love to play and I love preparing for. I was determined to get ready for the day.”
Unlike some of Liverpool’s summer signings, the 23-year-old seems to have settled in easily at Anfield, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 15 games across all competitions.
“If you ask any coach, they’ll tell you it’s not that good,” he said. “But for myself and obviously from where I come from, it’s good, but, you know, it’s consistency. It’s a long season.
“I know they’re pushing me hard, so I know they’re always going to say that’s not enough, I can do more for the team. And that’s what I want.”
The champions, who had suffered a slump and suffered four consecutive league defeats, have finally returned to winning ways and head to the Etihad.
And Ekitike believes the Reds are back on the right path and are poised for further development.
“Right now it’s not perfect, but at least going into the game, I feel like the players are giving 100 percent, or more than 100 percent, in terms of energy and the pressure they put on the opponent,” he said.
“We’re playing different teams, so we’re just going to keep going that way.”
“Now Ekitike has to play.”
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:
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Jamie Carragher believes it will be difficult to fit both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike into the same team when Arne Slott returns to full fitness.
“Ekitike has to play now. I fully understand that it’s not easy. And I was always hesitant about buying two strikers for that kind of money. It’s very difficult to see a Liverpool team or any team, unless you’re playing with a back three, putting two strikers on the pitch.”
“I understand the desire to have Isaac in the team. Ekitike is a great player and although he has been in good form, he has to be fit and they paid a lot of money for him.
“It’s confusing how this will work going forward. But for now, Ekitike has the shirt on and is playing very well. If he’s more fit in training than in matches at the moment, maybe it will help Isaac a little bit.”
