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Liverpool have plenty to work on ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Monday.

The Reds were involved in a topsy-turvy match with Bournemouth on Friday, and although they came out on top, they will have to be better next week.

One player who came out of the game with his reputation enhanced, however, was Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike bagged a goal and an assist against Bournemouth as he announced himself to the Anfield crowd in impressive fashion.

The Frenchman has almost come in under the radar this summer as attention continues to focus on Liverpool‘s pursuit of Alexander Isak.

But while Isak remains a priority for Liverpool, Reds legend Jan Molby has admitted that he’s seen something about Ekitike which has surprised him so far.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

The season may be only two matches old, but Ekitike has been the standout player for Liverpool so far.

Having hit goals in back-to-back games and led the line with gusto against Bournemouth, there are big expectations for the 23-year-old.

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And speaking on Anfield Index, Molby admitted that he has been taken aback by how ready Ekitike looks.

“I thought we’re going to need to work with this guy.

“But that doesn’t appear to be the case.”

READ MORE: Alexander Isak told what he’ll have to do if Liverpool fail to end Newcastle ‘nightmare’ for him

“He’s got a game already with and without the ball and I think that’s important for Arne, the fact he’s had a game without the ball where he takes the defenders away, creates space.

He had a good 60, 65 minutes in him where he played really well.”

As well as hailing his readiness to make the difference for Liverpool, Molby also pinpointed one key area of Ekitike’s game which had most stood out to him: his awareness.

“I think he’s capable of playing in a number of positions,” said the former midfielder.

“If we play 424, we can play 442 if needs be and I think there’ll be a number of guys who can play alongside him, I don’t think it’ll be a problem for him.”

“I love players who are aware,” Molby adds.

“I was in Denmark and watching a second tier game the other week and it was a very good game, but it’s that awareness.

I just didn’t think he was that type of a player.”

It may be early days still, but it has quickly become clear that Ekitike will surprise a lot of people this season.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt man appears to have plenty of strings to his bow, and the scary part is that he’s only going to get better.
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