Hugo Ekitike Shines on Liverpool Debut but Bournemouth Clash Highlights Work Ahead
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence began with an entertaining yet uneven 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. The spotlight inevitably fell on Hugo Ekitike, the £79 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, who marked his league debut with a goal and an assist. For the French striker, it was the realisation of a long-held ambition.
“It is a dream,” he said at full time. “I always dreamed to play here in Premier League, so I just enjoy every minute here in this amazing stadium. I wanted to be in the crowd!”
Dream realised on Merseyside
Ekitike had already opened his Liverpool account in the Community Shield, and he followed that with another decisive contribution against Bournemouth. His movement and sharpness immediately offered encouragement to Arne Slot, who began his reign as Premier League champion with a reminder of both his squad’s attacking depth and defensive fragility.
The Frenchman’s presence in the final third was not merely about goals. His link-up play created openings for others, most notably Mohamed Salah, whose late strike sealed the points. Still, Ekitike was candid in his assessment of his own performance.
“[I had] a good performance. I could do better. The most important thing is the win, the mentality we showed,” he said.
Lessons from a Testing Encounter
While Liverpool eventually pulled clear, their inability to manage the game after building a two-goal cushion was telling. Bournemouth capitalised on lapses to level the scoreline before Federico Chiesa and Salah restored order. For a side defending a title, it raised concerns about concentration and game management.
Ekitike did not shy away from that reality. “We have so much to do to get better and achieve our goals,” he explained. “Obviously we wanted to win for the people who came tonight and for Diogo, and that is what we did. I think I will get better and do even more for this team.”
Adapting to Premier League Intensity
Adjusting from the Bundesliga to the Premier League remains a challenge for forwards used to greater space. Ekitike acknowledged that transition with a frankness that underlined his maturity.
“I think it is natural I change my way to play here, because it is different football with more intensity, defenders are more strong. We have tight space here. I had so much more space in Germany. That is why I try to link and run behind. We have to find the way to succeed with the details because it is not good anymore. We have to do better.”
Slot will take encouragement from the resilience shown in the closing stages, yet he will also know Liverpool require sharper control when in front. For Ekitike, however, the message is clear. The dream start has arrived, but the hard work is only beginning.
