Hugo Ekitike’s start to life at Liverpool has been incredibly impressive.
The French star has endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with three goals and one assist in the Premier League so far this season.
It can be difficult for players to adapt to the style of the domestic league, as seen with Florian Wirtz, but it seems that Ekitike was born to play in England’s top-flight given his speed, movement, and eye for goal.
However, when you are a player travelling to a new country, it is difficult to acclimatise not just to the place but also to your new teammates.
The 23-year-old, though, has not had to worry about that, given that he is very familiar with fellow French international Ibrahima Konate and has been welcomed with open arms by other Liverpool stalwarts.
Mohamed Salah is the nicest player away from the TV says Hugo Ekitike
While the No. 22 has praised everyone around him for being so welcoming during his transition from Eintracht Frankfurt, the player has singled out Mohamed Salah as a player who is nicer than he seems on TV.
Salah has been with the club since 2017 and is synonymous with the Merseyside team, racking up incredible accolades and records on his way to being recognised as one of the world’s best.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Frenchman explained that the Egyptian is not what the media sometimes perceive him as and that he is a ‘cool’ person.
Asked what the 33-year-old winger was like away from the pitch, Ekitike said: “Very cool. Honestly, he’s very cool. More cool than what I’ve seen on TV because sometimes he has a straight face and stuff. So, I was thinking maybe it’s cool that someone who doesn’t talk a lot, but he’s really open, really like all the guys here. They are all good guys. They all talk.
“They’re very open to help you. Honestly, they all helped me well to adapt to this team. So, yeah, it’s very nice.”
There is a clear camaraderie with this squad, which is always great to see, especially during the behind-the-scenes content and training videos, where they clearly enjoy being each other’s company.
These things are important because the mood of the team is not only affected by results or the way they are playing, but also by what their connections are like in the dressing room.
Hugo Ekitike should start against Chelsea if he is fit
They will need to bring this kind of team spirit into their game against Chelsea to overturn a poor run of form, which has seen them lose two matches on the bounce.
But what will also be needed is Ekitike himself, as he has been a standout signing this summer who has shown himself to be decisive in tight games.
He did pick up a knock or injury of some kind during the Galatasaray Champions League game, but hopefully, after being assessed, he will be able to get in the starting lineup.
His ability to find and create the space to finish chances has been something that has been lacking, and Enzo Maresca’s side still poses a threat that we will need a focused goal scorer.
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