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Florian Wirtz's start to his Liverpool career has been a mixed bag since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. The German international provided an assist on his debut for Hugo Ekitike in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, but he is yet to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has faced some harsh criticism back home in Germany for his subdued start at Anfield, although he did manage to silence his critics by netting a spectacular free-kick against Northern Ireland during the international break.
While Wirtz is still finding his feet in the Premier League, his teammate Ekitike has hit the ground running. The French forward has been a revelation for the Reds, scoring three goals and providing an assist in his first four appearances for the club.
He became the first player to score in each of his first three games for the club since Daniel Sturridge in 2013.
His impressive form also earned him his first call-up and senior debut for France during the international break.
Despite the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day, Ekitike is expected to lead the line for Arne Slot's side against Burnley on Sunday.
With Wirtz likely to keep his spot as the number 10, Ekitike has jumped to the defence of his new colleague, insisting that the best is yet to come from the duo.
"Flo is a great, great player," Ekitike said. "He understands football I think as I understand football.
"We speak the same language on the pitch, so it's kind of easy to have a connection with him.
"But I think you guys haven't seen everything yet, better days are coming.
"But obviously the connection is good. We're almost the same age, same generation, yeah, we talk the same football [language] and even outside football he's a good guy."
Wirtz isn't the only teammate Ekitike is excited about linking up with at Liverpool.
"I think I adapted well," he told the club website. "Obviously I still have things to improve, but I think it was a good [start].
"I feel good with the guys, they helped me to adapt here so obviously they make my football easier.
"And when you play with good players like this, you can improve and you can have success like that. The most important [thing] is to continue to be consistent.
"My mindset [is]: play with the best players in the world. It helps you to get better. All together, all the players, we are going to reach even a better level together."
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