![\"Hugo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-2231503386.jpg\")
Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool FC pose for a portrait during the official UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 portrait session <\/p>\nHugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz both moved to Liverpool from the Bundesliga this summer in big-money movesHugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool FC pose for a portrait during the official UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 portrait session <\/p>\n
Florian Wirtz has endured a mixed start to his Liverpool career since joining the club in deal worth up to \u00a3116m from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer. The German claimed an assist on his debut for Hugo Ekitike in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace but is yet to register a goal contribution in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old has faced somewhat unfair criticism back in his native Germany for his quiet start at Anfield<\/a>, though he did manage to silence his critics by scoring a stunning free-kick against Northern Ireland during the international break.<\/p>\n While Wirtz<\/a> is yet to recreate his previous form in the Bundesliga with Liverpool<\/a>, it has been a very different story for Ekitike<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Marc Guehi directly addresses supporters after failed Liverpool move – ‘I wanted to’<\/a>READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi admits Liverpool transfer ‘doubts’ but Arne Slot has last laugh over Arsenal<\/a><\/p>\n The Frenchman has shone for the Reds, returning three goals and an assist from his first four outings for the club as he became the first player to score in each of his first three appearances for the club since Daniel Sturridge in 2013.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, such form also earned him both a maiden international call-up and senior debut for France during the break.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old is expected to continue upfront for Arne Slot<\/a>\u2019s men away to Burnley on Sunday despite the club-record signing of Alexander Isak<\/a> on transfer deadline day<\/a>.<\/p>\n And with Wirtz likely to retain his place at number 10, Ekitike has leapt to the defence of his new team-mate as he insisted the best is still to come from the pair.<\/p>\n \u201cFlo is a great, great player,\u201d Ekitike said. \u201cHe understands football I think as I understand football.<\/p>\n \u201cWe speak the same language on the pitch, so it\u2019s kind of easy to have a connection with him.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I think you guys haven\u2019t seen everything yet, better days are coming.<\/p>\n \u201cBut obviously the connection is good. We\u2019re almost the same age, same generation, yeah, we talk the same football [language] and even outside football he\u2019s a good guy.\u201d<\/p>\n WELCOME to the second edition of Blood Red<\/a> \u2013 your new monthly publication from the ECHO covering everything you need to know about what\u2019s happening at Liverpool FC.<\/p>\n This month, our focus is on Europe as Liverpool’s Champions League campaign kicks off with the Reds looking to bring home European Cup number 7. As well as a pull-out fixtures guide to the group phase, we profile every other club in the competition.<\/p>\n Our writers cover Arne Slot\u2019s side all season long, home, away and abroad, seven days a week, and this special second edition<\/a> of Blood Red is full of their in-depth features, analysis and comment.<\/p>\n There’s also an interview with Voice of Anfield George Sephton who looks back at his time at the club, we review the big tactical talking points of the season’s opening games, and we preview the next month of action as the Champions combine their bid to defend their Premier League crown with the start of their mission for Champions League glory.<\/p>\n Available to buy HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Wirtz is not the only player Ekitike is relishing playing alongside at Liverpool.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_Liverpool-Blood-Red-2jpeg.jpg\")
A new monthly print edition for all LFC fans, September edition on sale now<\/p>\n