Huge Ekitike responds to Ryan Gravenberch’s message after Liverpool statement

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James’ Park has seen 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha grab the headlines after he became the Reds’ youngest ever goalscorer, but their first two scorers also put in huge displays.

Hugo Ekitike netted for the first time in as many appearances since signing from Eintracht Frankfurt to further underline his starting credentials at Liverpool, amid their continued pursuit of Alexander Isak.

Arne Slot wants both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Ekitike may have scored in each of his three competitive starts, but Monday’s match at St.



James’ Park was the first appearance of the season for Ryan Gravenberch, who made an instant impact on his return.

Gravenberch had the Community Shield loss after the birth of his first child and was suspended for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, but was back in the side and the goals against Newcastle.

The Dutchman drilled a 25-yard strike into Nick Pope‘s bottom-right corner 38 minutes into the first half, putting Liverpool in front against the run of play before Anthony Gordon‘s red card just before half-time.

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After Ngumoha’s injury-time winner sealed the points for Liverpool, Gravenberch posted on Instagram to say; “What a night”, as Ekitike told him to “get that massage!” in reference to his post-match treatment.

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Football Insider Verdict

The Reds remain in talks for Isak and will look to finally strike a deal with Newcastle in the final days of the transfer window, but Liverpool have been told they’ll have to pay £150million in order to sign him.

However, three goals in as many starts for Ekitike at the tip of Slot’s attack is the best possible response to the prospect of further competition arriving up front, as is a debut goal from 16-year-old Ngumoha.

The rate at which Liverpool were threatened by Newcastle despite their one-man advantage should instead highlight their need for defensive reinforcements, with further support for Gravenberch needed.

A move for a centre-back like Marc Guehi could be on the cards before 1 September, and it’s increasingly clear that Liverpool need to focus their full attention on the rear, rather than the front, of Slot’s team.

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