Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz shone against German opposition on Wednesday evening as Liverpool battered Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League.
Florian Wirtz impressed Liverpool fans with his two assists, which were very much needed in a Reds shirt after a shaky start.
In contrast, Hugo Ekitike continued his fine start to life at Anfield, scoring the goal that got Liverpool back in the game after being 1-0 down. And he never looked like missing.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images 
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The pair came from the Bundesliga, and German pundits and press alike reacted with high praise for both of Arne Slot’s new signings.
Sami Khedira reacts to Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz for Liverpool
Sami Khedira, who almost signed for Liverpool himself, lauded the pair.
On Ekitike, Khedira told DAZN: “He has the quality, the speed, the cleverness, the technique, the calmness, the coolness. Everything you would ultimately expect for €100 million. An outstanding striker, outstanding action.”
On Wirtz: “He plays the ball for breakfast, but I’m pleased that Wirtz was able to reward himself today. At least that’s a good thing from a German perspective,” said a delighted Sami Khedira on DAZN.
Germany’s outlets also piled praise on the two former Bundesliga men – but it was the previously-struggling Wirtz that most national media focused on.
German press on Florian Wirtz
The 22-year-old was the centre of media attention in Germany, with many publications commenting on his performance.
Sport1 wrote: “Eintracht Frankfurt suffered another bitter defeat in the Champions League. German national team star Wirtz, still struggling to find his form in Liverpool, was able to gain some confidence in the end with the convincing victory.”
BILD wrote on Wirtz: “Wirtz, a man worth €140 million, also shines, setting up goals for Gakpo (4-1) and Szoboszlai (5-1) in just four minutes. His first goal involvement in a Liverpool shirt in more than two months.”
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
SportBILD also wrote on Wirtz: “His return to the German football stage in Frankfurt had been eagerly awaited – and Wirtz didn’t disappoint. After a subdued first half, the attacking star showed why Liverpool had paid over 100 million euros for him in the summer.”
Wirtz reflected on his finest display yet in a Liverpool shirt yet, but admitted he can still do more.
“I know I can still do much, much more. I think the second half was pretty good – and everyone else’s, too. That’s why I’m happy that we won today and that I finally got involved in a goal,” Wirtz said post-match to TNT Sports.
He’ll look to really kick on now – and where better to do so than against Premier League opposition this Saturday against Brentford, where Wirtz really needs to showcase his talent in England’s top flight.