Stephen Warnock has waxed lyrical about Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike after his display in his side's 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Ekitike's £79m acquisition has been somewhat overshadowed by Alexander Isak, who joined the Reds on deadline day for a British transfer record £125m. Both will seemingly be rotating as Arne Slot's number nine, and it was the 23-year-old who shone at home to the Toffees.
The French attacker came back into the starting lineup after he was benched for club-record signing Isak midweek. He more than proved a point with an excellent performance at Anfield on Saturday, which included finding the back of the net.
Warnock Hails 'So Impressive' Ekitike After Liverpool Beat Everton
Ekitike took his tally for the season to four goals and one assist in seven games across competitions since arriving at Anfield from German side Eintracht Frankfurt. There were suggestions that the Merseyside giants had overpaid, but he has proven to be one of the signings of the season thus far.
Warnock watched the Frenchman once again catch the eye in the victory over Everton. The former Premier League defender gave a glowing assessment (via BBC Sport): "Hugo Ekitike is just getting better and better. When he gets on the ball, he is a danger, and he has been so impressive in his short time at Liverpool."
Ekitike, who received an 8/10 rating, took his goal superbly, showcasing instinctive movement in a brilliant move from the hosts that doubled their lead after Ryan Gravenberch's superb opener. It was a finish that Warnock applauded: "It's a really smart finish, quick touch and he passes it into the bottom corner. Jordan Pickford doesn't stand a chance of getting anywhere near it."
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Hugo Ekitike won six of nine ground duels in Liverpool's win over Everton
The two-cap France international gave his thoughts on competing with Isak, who replaced him in the 67th minute for a starting berth in Slot's side and insisted they will "share the pitch". Those comments will enthuse Slot and the Kop given they have two of Europe's most highly regarded forwards to share the load up top.
Liverpool remain perfect at the start of the season and turn their attention to Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday (September 23). Slot could be enticed to rest both Isak and Ekitike for that game, given a tricky trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace (September 27) is the next Premier League game on the horizon.