The Reds are midway through their first game of 2026, with this being against Leeds at Anfield less than a month after the reverse fixture.
They struggled last time out against them and only managed to come away with a 3-3 draw, with the Whites also making it hard for Liverpool in the first half of this one.
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A few players have looked lively, though, and look like they could make a real difference in this match and for Liverpool throughout the new year, with Jamie Carragher impressed with one in particular.
Jamie Carragher was impressed with Hugo Ekitike in the first half against Leeds
One Liverpool player who has been one of their best this season is Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman settling in perfectly.
He is their top scorer so far this season with eight in the league, and based on how he started against Leeds, he is keen to add more to his tally.
He was one of the better players for the Reds in the first half and Carragher was one of those impressed, with his sharpness the thing that has stood out the most.
“Ekitike’s looked really sharp. When the ball comes into him you think something’s going to happen,” he said on Sky Sports.
“He’s looked really sharp and alive when the ball has come into him.”
Ekitike, as always, has worked hard and been a real nuisance, with his link-up play being one of his best features.
He also came close to scoring after seeing his header come back off the head of Leeds’ goalkeeper, with the Frenchman keen to add to his already impressive tally.
Hugo Ekitike fits Liverpool’s system perfectly
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Although Alexander Isak is a quality striker when fit, Ekitike just fits Liverpool a little bit more, with the 23-year-old barely having to adjust his game.
Not only can he score goals, but he has the awareness and link-up play to match, just like Roberto Firmino had for so many years.
He is already a bit of a fan favourite too and his song can be heard ringing out around the ground on regular occasions, with this game being no different.
Ekitike looks like he will have a very bright Liverpool career, and based on the way he has started 2026, Reds fans can expect good things from their new striker.
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