Hugo Ekitike had a rather impressive debut for Liverpool during their Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday.



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However, if Liverpool don’t end up getting the transfer of Isak over the line, they seem to be in more than safe hands with Ekitike, even if he is a tad less experienced than the former Real Sociedad man.

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One of the first things fans noticed about Ekitike is how technical he is both on and off the ball, despite him being 6’3.

The Frenchman was bobbing and weaving through Crystal Palace’s defence on Sunday, with his keen eye for goal also being made prominent after he scored on his debut.

While live on Match of the Day, French football expert Julien Laurens gave his thoughts on Ekitike and outlined the one thing that could stop him from being a success at Liverpool, and it isn’t Isak.

“He’s very good technically for such a big lad,” he said.

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“Yeah, he’s a bit lanky and skinny, he needs to beef up a bit for the Premier League and the physicality.

“But, technically, in his awareness, the way he reads the game, he’s a wonderful talent.”

Although a strong debut during a Community Shield game isn’t always the best indicator of how a player’s career is going to pan out, there were certainly some things for Liverpool fans to be excited about.



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If Slot does end up signing Isak, Ekitike is likely to be moved out onto the left wing, but with the way he moves around the final third of the pitch anyway, it doesn’t feel like there will be much change in his performances.