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Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has named just one Liverpool player in his Team of the Week after the first round of fixtures of the new season concluded.
Liverpool kicked the season off by beating Bournemouth by four goals to two on Friday. The round of games finished with Leeds United getting a 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road on Monday.
The very first goal of the season was scored by Hugo Ekitike at the Anfield Road End. He finished well after the ball bounced off him and nicely into his path, with Redknapp liking what he has seen from the Frenchman so far.
"Ekitike was impressive on his home debut," Redknapp told Bet Victor. "Obviously, he scored one, and his overall play was excellent.
"He’s such a big lad, but he’s got lovely feet and showed some very nice touches. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him."
Redknapp's full team included Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford against Manchester United, with a back three of Dan Ballard (Sunderland), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), and Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal).
Redknapp picked Antoine Semenyo, the two-goal Bournemouth forward, on one flank, with Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) making up the rest of his midfield.
Ekitike, whose name was sung loudly during the game at Anfield, was joined up top by Richarlison, who looks to be a good fit for Spurs under Thomas Frank, and Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest forward who scored a brace against Brentford.
"I heard the song when I was [in the] corner," Ekitike told the official club website after scoring on his first competitive Anfield appearance.
"It was amazing," the 23-year-old said. "I'm very grateful, and I want to hear it louder next time! It was fun."
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Asked about his goal, he added: "I've been a bit lucky with the touch. I tried to meg the defender, but the ball came back, and then I was alone.
"The celebration [was] for Diogo [Jota] because I think it was an important day for him and his family and for the crowd. Obviously we were celebrating him."
Liverpool.com says: The Reds still need more depth in forward areas before the summer window closes, but Ekitike appears to be a real gem. He has a great touch, is physical and strong, and can clearly finish calmly. He has all the ingredients to do well.
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