Hugo Ekitike is delighted to see Alexander Isak complete his deadline-day move to Liverpool, and is embracing the competition the Swedish striker will bring.
The Frenchman, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79million, has made an impressive start under Arne Slot.
Leading the line from the opening day, the 23-year-old has scored in three of his first four competitive appearances for the Reds.
All the while, Liverpool were pursuing Isak, eventually securing his signature in a British-record £125million deal on deadline day.
Isak will need time to build up his fitness before Slot makes a definitive call on his role, but with a proven Premier League record, he is widely expected to become a key figure in Liverpool’s attack.
That could push Ekitike out of the starting XI, yet when asked about the challenge by French media on Sunday, the striker struck a confident note.
“It’s fun. When you play for the best teams, you expect to be competing with the best players. Isak is a player I’ve watched too, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure,” Ekitike began.
“It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to focus on performing well so that it’s a problem for the manager.”
Ekitike is still waiting to see if he will be handed his first senior start for France against Iceland on Tuesday, but the striker has already shown his willingness to adapt at Liverpool.
The 23-year-old previously admitted he would be open to changing positions to accommodate another forward’s arrival at Anfield, identifying the left flank as an area where he could operate.
That role, however, has so far belonged to Cody Gakpo, who has started all four of Liverpool’s games this season, registering one goal and two assists.
Speaking to French media, Ekitike also explained that he is relishing the added pressure and scrutiny that comes with representing the reigning Premier League champions.
“Obviously my life has changed,” the summer signing explained.
“It’s a big move and I’m watched a thousand times more, but I’m taking it positively, it’s really good. It’s the position I wanted to be in.
“When you have this kind of standard, you have to show that you belong here and you have to continue to perform.
“But it’s a position that I like and that I want to keep.”
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