With Liverpool playing back-to-back friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on Monday, manager Arne Slot had a chance to give just about every player in his squad a full run out a week before the Reds’ season kicks off against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
For newly arrived Hugo Ekitike, that meant an hour with the presumed first choice eleven and a first chance for the 23-year-old French striker to play at Anfield. It might not have been an important league match or famous European night, but for the player it was a taster of what’s to come.
“I enjoyed it a lot, it was such a good atmosphere for a first game for me.” Ekitike reflected. “I feel proud and I just wish I can play so many games in this stadium because it is amazing. We do have some little things to fix to get better. With the ball I knew I could do better today.
“But I really enjoy playing with [my new teammates] and I’m sure we’re going to do really good things this season. I’m here now for one week so I’m still trying to find connections, but I enjoy playing with them and outside the pitch they are good guys so it’s a pleasure to play with them.”
For Liverpool, yesterday’s games mark the end of pre-season. Now, the players will spend one more week at the AXA Training Centre putting the final touches on preparations for the 2025-26 season, and while a few more signings are expected, there’s a lot of promise already in the side.
The attack of Ekitike along with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah and backed up by Florian Wirtz often looked fluid, fast, and deadly. And that’s without even touching on the promise of Rio Ngumoha. There will, it’s clear, be goals and plenty of attacking intent this season.
“The real season starts on Sunday and we’re looking forward to this,” Ekitike added. “We have a group of competitors who want to win everything, so we’re going to give 100% I’m sure. I’m sure about this. And for me also, I’m going to give 100% to win, because I’m here to win.”