Liverpool fans expressed frustration after watching new signing Hugo Ekitike’s debut against Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.
Following weeks of speculation linking Liverpool with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike, the striker officially joined the Reds last week in a deal reportedly worth up to £79 million. He quickly joined Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia after the transfer was completed.
After impressive training footage of the French forward circulated on social media, fans eagerly anticipated his debut at Nissan Stadium.
However, many supporters were disappointed by Ekitike’s first 45 minutes in a Liverpool shirt and took to social media to voice one main complaint about his debut.
The match ended the first half goalless, and Ekitike was substituted off for Darwin Nunez, cutting his first appearance short.
Reactions to his performance were mixed—some hailed him as a potential signing of the season, while others remained unconvinced about his impact.
Yet, there was widespread agreement among Liverpool fans that the poor quality of the pitch at Nissan Stadium severely affected Ekitike’s performance, along with the rest of the team.
One fan tweeted during the first half: “This pitch has completely ruined the Ekitike/Wirtz watch.”
Another added: “I won’t judge Ekitike because of the pitch.”
Even a supporter impressed by his display said: “Ekitike is perfect for Liverpool; a true baller. The pitch was terrible, making fluid football very difficult, so it’s unfair to criticize the lads’ performance.”
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