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And when departing on his home debut against Athletic Bilbao after 57 minutes, he did so to the sound of supporters chanting his name after an encouraging display.

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There may have been no maiden goal from the Frenchman - in contrast to Nunez getting on the scoresheet in the earlier kick-off - but he certainly made his presence felt.

It was Ekitike who was the creator for the opening goal, running onto Dominik Szoboszlai’s through-ball, leaving his defender for dead with a smart stepover and burst of pace into the box, before then cutting back a great low cross for Mohamed Salah to finish.

During his time on the pitch, the forward linked up well with the likes of Wirtz, Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai as he dropped deep to help keep quick passing moves going.

But also often peeling away to the left wing or hanging on the shoulder of the last man, he showed his pace and strength more than once too.

And one piece of play, after his assist, earned him his first chant of, ‘Hugo, Hugo!’ from the crowd.

Showing more flair to burst down the left, he was hauled down on the edge of the box, before getting back to his feet and geeing up the crowd.

He would then receive the same treatment when saluting the Kop at the end after his hard-working performance.

There was a lot to like from this first Anfield showing in a Liverpool shirt from the Frenchman as he lined up in what is seemingly, currently, Arne Slot’s first-choice front three.

Admittedly, further reinforcements are still needed, given that both Federico Chiesa and three of the attacking four that started the first friendly of the evening could easily still move on this summer.

But whatever happens with the Reds’ pursuit of Isak this summer, Ekitike has already shown glimpses of why Liverpool were so keen to sign him in the first place.

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Perhaps that should be no surprise given Slot is implementing two new full-backs and fielding players out of their favoured position.

But the fact that all three goals the Reds conceded across the two games were of their own making prompts obvious concern.

A misjudged header from Stephenson gifted Gorka Guruzeta a consolation in Liverpool’s first 4-1 win.

And then it was poor marking from set-pieces that cost them twice when running out 3-2 victors second time around with Oihan Sancet netting after a free-kick was knocked back across goal and Cody Gakpo deflecting Maroan Sannadi’s header into his own net.

The return of Van Dijk will inevitably aid things, as will time for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez and the new arrivals continue to settle at Anfield.

But it is clear that is not just in attack where Liverpool would be wise to strengthen further before the transfer window closes on September 1.

There will need to be departures and reshuffling before their frontline is complete.

After all, it would be a big ask to start in the position when Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister had cemented their place as the Reds’ first-choice pairing.

But with the Argentine absent for the majority of pre-season, Szoboszlai has shown why it is the deeper role he favours most.

He was the standout player against Bilbao, dictating play from deep while still demonstrating his powerhouse running.

Rather than lose his place to Wirtz, the quick-paced link-up play between the pair was a joy to behold.

It was his through-ball that led to the opener, playing in Ekitike, while he earned loud cheers of his own with one sumptuous nutmeg in the second half.

And after the second half substitutions, he finished the game at right-back - having previously impressed in the unfamiliar role behind closed doors against Stoke City.

One rare criticism of Slot in his first season was how he chose not to rotate more, with his limited tinkering no doubt playing a role in Liverpool falling short in both League Cup and Champions League.

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But a £295m - and counting - outlay in the Champions League has seemingly rectified such issues.

You do not envy the Dutchman, having to choose between Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Curtis Jones as his deeper midfield two, with Endo and Nyoni also options.

But it is such strength in depth that has already positioned Liverpool as early favourites for the title heading into the new season.