Germany international Florian Wirtz has expressed delight at forming an early understanding with new Liverpool teammate Hugo Ekitike, following their Anfield debut on Monday.
The pair featured in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao as part of the club’s pre-season preparations.
Ekitike, who has Cameroonian roots but represents France at international level, joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £69 million.
His arrival comes shortly after Liverpool’s record-breaking £116 million acquisition of Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen — the highest fee in British football history.
Having faced Ekitike in the Bundesliga, Wirtz now finds himself on the same side as the 22-year-old striker.
Speaking after the match, the German midfielder praised Ekitike’s quality and spoke of the ease with which they are building chemistry on the pitch.
“He is a really good player. I was really happy he signed to come to us,” Wirtz said. “In the training sessions already, he went well and also today in the game, we had some combinations that were good. I am really happy that I can play with him.”
The pair linked up well during their Anfield bow, joining forces with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Milos Kerkez. Gakpo’s brace and a composed Salah finish secured the victory.
Wirtz also believes that the timing of their arrivals will ease their transition. “It helps when you come to a new team,” he added, “we can connect and talk to each other about how we feel.”
