"He's Someone Who Smells Football"

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz look in-tune with one another at Liverpool, with the Frenchman saying his teammate is “someone who smells football.”

It has been a season full of negatives at Anfield, but Ekitike has been the Reds’ standout summer signing, and arguably their second-best player behind Dominik Szoboszlai.

Meanwhile, Wirtz has improved greatly in the past month or so, with he and his new colleague having a strong on-pitch understanding.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Ekitike lauded the German when asked about their relationship, making it clear how highly he rates him as a player.

“Obviously Flo, I was watching him,” Ekitike said.

“When I talk about beautiful players to watch, he’s one of them. I played against him in Germany but he’s someone who I was watching, his game, because I just love the way he plays.

“He’s someone who smells football. He’s a really good, really, really good footballer.

“I think we speak the same language of football, that’s why we click. We needed time, to play with each other, to become even stronger, stronger links, to play good football.

“I think we speak the same language and it’s really nice to share the pitch with that kind of player.

“I hope we can keep doing what we’re doing, just score a lot of goals and assists for the club.”

Ekitike and Wirtz: The new Gerrard and Torres?

The connection that Ekitike and Wirtz have was on show in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield, with the latter creating a chance for the former in the first half.

Wirtz also scored a sublime goal against Barnsley on Monday night after a deft one-two with Ekitike before the No. 7 teed up his striker for one of his own.

There are comparisons to be made between Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who became almost telepathic during their time at Liverpool in the late 2000s.

They combined for so many memorable goals, and while it is still early days, there is a similar feel to Ekitike and Wirtz.

They are two superb young footballers who clearly love playing together, and they are going to play a big part in Liverpool’s future.

We’ll take any positive right now!

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