Liverpool fans had a lot to say when watching their team in FA Cup action against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Alexander Isak missed out despite previous suggestions that he could make his return after a lengthy lay-off.
Despite the record signing being absent, Arne Slot was still able to field a strong XI, and Liverpool fans took a particular interest in the tweak the manager made to his side that allowed Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz to link up well.
Who would you rather see as Liverpool’s manager next season?
Enrique or Klopp? Clash of the titans 👀
Liverpool fans praise Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz vs Manchester City
Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Mohamed Salah partnering the Frenchman in a two-man strike force.
Ekitike started on the left of the front two with Wirtz acting as the 10 behind him, and supporters loved what they saw from the duo against Man City.
One fan wrote: “Wirtz and Ekitike, just build the whole squad around them. Next level footballers.”
Another stated: “Wirtz x Ekitike link up is just nuts.”
A third commented: “Lovely play between Wirtz and Ekitike so Liverpool can keep the ball like this oh wow.”
“Wirtz and Ekitike are playing out of their minds,” suggested another Liverpool fan.
A fifth claimed they would be better with another manager: “Wirtz and Ekitike combo is going to flourish!! Just need a better coach and system.”
While a sixth added: “Wirtz looking excellent as per, him and Ekitike are linking up nicely!”
PROVE ME WRONG: Hugo Ekitike WILL have a better Liverpool career than Luis Suarez
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike close to history
The duo have been two of Liverpool’s best players this season and have formed a brilliant connection.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Ekitike and Wirtz had combined for six goals in all competitions this season.
One more and they will overtake Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen for the most joint-goal contributions of Liverpool players aged 23 or under (six in 2002/03).
Meanwhile, Ekitike commented on his connection with Wirtz last month, saying: “I like the other players as well, but it’s just like, obviously, you know, when you play striker and that you have a ten that understands football so much and that actually wants to play the same football as you, it makes things easy.
“I always told him that if we play together, we’re going to make great things and like if he give me the ball, I give it him back and things will happen.
“I enjoy so much playing with him and I know that it’s the kind of player that can give you like so many assists during a season. So that’s good to have a player like this on your side that can make you like actually shine.”
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
