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Liverpool's players have reportedly been taken aback by just how good Hugo Ekitike has been in training since joining the Reds.
Ekitike completed a big-money transfer to Liverpool last month, becoming the Merseyside club's second $100 million-plus signing of the summer.
He has only had one half of game time, after coming off the bench at half-time in the 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos last week, but he has reportedly already left a big impression on his new teammates.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR Football: “I’m hearing that Ekitike has slotted in so well, like he has been part of the squad for years. He has been dazzling in many regards.
“I’m told the players are not shocked by his talent, but certainly, some did not really grasp just how good he was. Liverpool’s coaches are delighted with him.”
Speaking after his move to Liverpool was confirmed, Ekitike said that having a conversation with Arne Slot played an important role in convincing him to move to Anfield.
"We had a very good first discussion together," Ekitike said. "Obviously the coach is very human so we could talk not only about football [but] about everything.
"I find him very interesting and I was very pleased to see what I can do with him because I think he is a really nice guy and I can still improve and progress with him. So, yeah, he is a really good coach and good person first, so that’s why he made me want to come here."
Slot has a track record for improving players and the chance to continue his development under the Dutch coach was appealing to Ekitike.
"When you see a coach that can make and improve players, you know you want to be with him and progress because you know he can make you go to the next step," Ekitike said. "And if you want to go higher I think it’s the right choice to do."
Explaining why moving to Liverpool was the right move at this stage in his career, Ekitike said: "I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I’m a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch.
"I think I did well last season. Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here."
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