Hugo Ekitike has acknowledged that his forward partnership with Alexander Isak requires improvement after the duo started together for the first time in Liverpool's 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The France international scored to level the match before the Reds pulled away in Germany.
Goals from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai secured a resounding victory for the Premier League champions, ending a four-match losing run. Isak was substituted at half-time after being repeatedly denied by Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, with manager Arne Slot later revealing the Swede had a groin injury.
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Frankfurt for £79 million in the summer, now has six goals and an assist in 12 appearances. Isak, still settling in after a difficult pre-season at Newcastle United, has managed one goal and one assist in eight games, his only goal coming in the League Cup.
Despite the imperfect start, Ekitike is confident the duo will develop a strong understanding. 'I think we can improve together,' he said. 'He's a very good player. I know in time we need to work together and find a good association.' The forward also expressed gratitude towards his former club, raising his hands apologetically after scoring against them.
'I have so much respect for them,' Ekitike told TNT Sports. 'They made me the player that I am right now. I wouldn't be here if I didn't come to Frankfurt.'
