Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha, Hugo Ekitike and Darwin Nunez assessed after back-to-back wins in opposition to Athletic Membership

Liverpool secured back-to-back wins in a pleasant double header in opposition to Athletic Membership at Anfield on Monday. Right here we study a few of the massive speaking factors from their efficiency…

Ekitike provides a glimpse into function at Liverpool

Each forward of and since Hugo Ekitike’s arrival at Anfield, the switch has been met with questions as to how greatest the French ahead matches into Arne Slot’s plans however as he advised LFCTV after the sport, he’s “here to win” no matter the place he performs.

A price that would doubtlessly rise to £78m removes any concept that the 23-year-old is bench-bound at Liverpool and is suggestive of a heightened function.

Curiosity in Alexander Isak has prompted additional debate however in organising Salah’s opener, Ekitike confirmed he is extra than simply your typical No 9.

Down the left, after interchanging with Cody Gakpo, his ability and go into Salah confirmed he is greater than able to slotting in to Slots’ fluid entrance line.

“I am still trying to find connections with the others,” Ekitke advised LFCTV.

“But I enjoy playing with them. It is a pleasure to play with them; we have little things to fix, but I really enjoy playing with them.”

If the early indicators are something to go by, the Premier League can have a lot to worry when he finally does discover connections, as he already seems to have made Anfield residence.
William Bitibiri

Rio Ngumoha is the actual deal – is he Luis Diaz’s substitute?

“Rio [Ngumoha] is showing good things in every game in pre-season,” mentioned Arne Slot to LFCTV after the sport.

That could be a pretty understated evaluation of the 16-year-old sensation from the Liverpool boss. Not solely does he deliver composure, high quality and drive with the ball at any time when he’s in possession, he additionally sparks a wave of pleasure among the many supporters.

A uncommon reward in soccer, which is much more unusual with gamers on the very early levels of their careers.

With out trying to pile an excessive amount of strain on somebody who can not even drive a automobile but, he looks like the actual deal.

Luis Diaz’s exit to affix Bayern Munich now supplies the right alternative for Slot to slowly combine Ngumoha into the primary crew image this season.

He solely wanted 5 minutes to register a purpose and help on this fixture. If he’s given common alternatives within the senior facet this season, I feel it may grow to be fairly a standard incidence for the younger expertise.
Patrick Rowe

Do Liverpool want a centre again?

The embarrassment of riches inside this Liverpool squad is immense. Nevertheless, in the event you had been going to select one space the place they appear mild, it’s at centre again.

Captain Virgil van Dijk missed this fixture because of sickness and ought to be match for the Premier League opener in opposition to Bournemouth, reside on Sky Sports activities, on August 15. However extra depth is required.

Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s harm meant Wataru Endo began alongside Ibrahim Konate within the second fixture at Anfield.

Was it actually a shock when each of Athletic’s targets got here from set items? They missed Van Dijk’s presence, management and physicality on the again.

“Two set-piece goals is not what you want, especially when you face Crystal Palace next week. It is something to work on,” mentioned Slot to LFCTV.

The funding within the squad has already been large this summer season and can possible proceed. Apart from the saga involving Isak, signing a centre again to supply cowl or competitors for Konate and Van Dijk ought to be the precedence.
Patrick Rowe

Elliott and Nunez unfazed by unsure Liverpool futures

Each Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott face unsure futures at Liverpool, however every little thing from their respective performances to the reception from the Anfield crowd, you would not be capable of inform.

The pair began within the earlier 4-1 win over Athletic Membership with Nunez scoring the second, displaying his striker’s intuition as he tapped residence a cushioned header from Ngumoha.

The Uruguay worldwide’s involvement did not cease there as he teed up Elliott’s purpose with a neat contact and go.

Sky Sports activities Information understands that AC Milan are the most recent facet to be eager on Nunez’s signature, however there isn’t any love misplaced for the striker who walked by way of the doorways from Benfica for a then-club file price.

As for Elliott, he grabbed the badge and blew a kiss to the group, which can present some indication as to the place his head is at on his future on the membership regardless of reported curiosity from elsewhere.
William Bitibiri

Liverpool’s first six Premier League fixtures

August

15: Bournemouth (h) – 8pm, live on Sky Sports activities

25: Newcastle (a) – 8pm, reside on Sky Sports activities

31: Arsenal (h) – 4.30pm, reside on Sky Sports activities

September

13: Burnley (a) – 3pm

20: Everton (h) – 3pm

27: Crystal Palace (a) – 3pm

Sky Sports activities to point out 215 reside PL video games from subsequent season

From subsequent season, Sky Sports activities’ Premier League protection will improve from 128 matches to at the least 215 video games solely reside.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League video games subsequent season are on Sky Sports activities.