Hugo Ekitike’s first outing in a Liverpool shirt may have been in a pre-season setting, but it offered a glimpse of what the Frenchman could bring to Arne Slot’s frontline.

Starting up top against Yokohama F.

His 45-minute shift won’t set headlines alight, but it suggested he’s adapting quickly to Slot’s ideas and the team’s tempo.

Liverpool vs Yokohama LIVE: £79m new boy Hugo Ekitike makes his Liverpool debut as Premier League champions look to impress in Japan despite tsunami threat	'Almost': Hugo Ekitike nearly pulled off 'something special' during his Liverpool debut today - pundit	Liverpool team vs Yokohama Marinos predicted with Hugo Ekitike debut and transfer hint

ALSO READ: Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with top transfer target

Liverpool’s overall display was mixed, shaped heavily by a dreadful playing surface at Nissan Stadium.

Goals from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha sealed a 3-1 victory, the fourth pre-season outing for Slot’s squad.

With just one more friendly, against Athletic Club at Anfield, before the season starts, Ekitike has put down a marker.

He may not be the finished article yet, but his performance showed he’s here to compete.

ALSO READ: Video: Florian Wirtz scores first Liverpool goal in Yokohama FM pre-season win