'Honestly': Hugo Ekitike makes plea to Liverpool fans after hearing them singing his name during Everton win
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Hugo Ekitike endeared himself further to Liverpool fans on Saturday after scoring in the Merseyside Derby against Everton.
Ekitike has had an excellent start to life at Anfield, hitting three goals in his first six appearances.
The Frenchman made it four in seven on Saturday, slotting through Jordan Pickford’s legs to put Liverpool 2-0 up in the first-half.
Everton did get one back after the break but were unable to find an equaliser, leaving Ekitike‘s slided finish as the match-winning goal.
It was a special moment for the 23-year-old, who was seen bouncing along as the Anfield crowd sung his name following the final whistle.
And having heard them create a new chant in his honour, Ekitike made a request to supporters after the game.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Alexander Isak may have been the more costly of Liverpool’s two centre-forward signings this summer, but it is Ekitike who has made the better start.
Of course, there is plenty of time for Isak to get up to speed, and he has barely had chance to make an impact just yet.
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READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike makes stance on Alexander Isak clear after scoring in Liverpool’s win over Everton
But as the Swede continues to bed in, Ekitike looks to be all the way there already.
And speaking to LFCTV after the game, the France international said that he wants to hear his song being sung even louder next time out.
“Yeah it’s top, top!
Honestly, I really like it,” Ekitike said when asked about hearing the fans singing his name.
“Every time I want it more loud, so I will try to keep scoring for the fans.”
There was something reminiscent of Fernando Torres about the way Ekitike slotted past Pickford to double Liverpool’s lead on Saturday.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man took one touch before finishing so quickly past the Everton goalkeeper with his second.
It’s the kind of finish which has instantly made Ekitike a favourite amongst fans, and his comments post-match are likely to strengthen that bond.
“Obviously I knew this game was really important to the fans, so a win today was important,” he said.
“I felt in the stadium the crowd were very loud today, so it’s a very proud feeling, a happy feeling and we just have to keep going.”