Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike says he is happy to face strong competition for places, claiming it will drive the entire frontline to get better.
Ekitike, 23, joined the Premier League champions in the summer in a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt despite interest from Newcastle United.
The Reds also added the likes of Alexander Isak in a British-record deal from the Magpies, while Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen in major attacking reinforcements.
Despite the massive summer additions, only Ekitike appears to have easily adapted to the league, with six goals and one assist so far, while both Isak and Wirtz have struggled.
“We play for the same team. Obviously there’s only a few places on the pitch but we play for the same team, so we grow together, share the pitch and we just push each other to get better. That’s how I see competition”, Ekitike said.
“It takes time to see the quality. For the new players, we come from different clubs, we have to find links, play together. It takes time to have the perfect team in terms of playing and collective.
“It can work, definitely. We need to train together, play together and it will get better”, the French forward added.
Ekitike opened his account in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace and also scored in his first league game of the season against Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old is expected to start once more when the Reds face Manchester City in a super Sunday clash in the EPL.
“Sometimes it works like you have this connection with people and it’s more easy, but sometimes it’s spending time on the pitch, getting to know the other guy, what he likes, how he likes to run in the channel, how he likes the ball, in behind [or to] come and play link-up”, the 23-year-old continued.
“I think if you ask the coach, he will tell you that it’s not that good,” he said. “But for myself and obviously from where I’m from, it’s good, but you know, it’s consistency. It’s a long season.
“I know they push me hard, so I know they will always tell me that it’s not enough and I can do more for the team. And that’s what I want.”
Liverpool host Man City as match-day 11 action rounds off in the English Premier League, seeking to win back-to-back league games for the first time in over a month.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
