Steve McManaman singled out one new Liverpool signing for praise after his former side slumped to a Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace.
Arne Slot arguably has more questions than answers after he watched his Liverpool side fall to a penalty shootout loss at Wembley.
With new signings Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez making their competitive debuts for the club at right and left back respectively, the Reds’ backline was frequently exposed as they strive for a natural understanding.
However, Liverpool had no such concerns in attack as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike gelled instantly and looked threatening. And, after scoring with his fourth touch, McManaman singled out Ekitike for praise on a disappointing afternoon in the Community Shield for Slot’s side.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesLiverpool legend praises new signing Hugo Ekitike
Speaking as part of the TNT Sports team covering the game, McManaman praised Ekitike for his all-round contribution on his competitive debut for the club.
The Liverpool legend believes that Ekitike put in a “good shift” in his time on the pitch. McManaman said: “I was impressed with Ekitike today – he put in a good shift. At a better team in a stronger league, he’s only going to get better. I thought he looked really sharp today.”
This was backed by a fellow former Liverpool man, Chris Kirkland, who supported McManaman’s assessment. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Kirkland added: “Palace are a very good team and the draw [in normal time] was probably fair.
“And it was the same for Liverpool really, we were exciting going forward, but slightly weaker in defence. I would love to see another defender come in. Wirtz, you can see how good he is. Ekitike started well and then tired later on.
“It is disappointing to lose, but they will be fully focused now on recovering and getting ready for Friday.”
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty ImagesLiverpool need Ekitike to be more clinical after costly miss
Whilst Ekitike will be pleased with his contribution to the game overall, he missed two chances which could have finished Crystal Palace off before he was substituted after 71 minutes.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker snatched at one chance on his left foot, blazing over the bar from around the penalty spot and missed another header after his opening goal.
Although missing chances comes with the territory as a striker, Arne Slot will hope that he can iron out this aspect of his game as Liverpool embark on their title defence.
Ekitike can take some comfort from recent history, as Erling Haaland was guilty of missing an open goal in his first Community Shield appearance in 2022/23. He scored 36 Premier League goals that season. Liverpool will be ecstatic if their new man can manage half of that.