Hugo Ekitike says it’s a “blessing” to play alongside Mo Salah, who he called a “great professional” and an example to the other Liverpool players following his return to the squad.Â
The French striker bagged a brace as the Reds got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, beating Brighton 2-0 at Anfield.
It took Ekitike just 51 seconds to breach the Brighton net and score the fastest top-flight goal of the season so far.
Salah, who was introduced in the 26th minute following an injury to Joe Gomez, provided the assist for the centre-forward’s second in his first appearance since his explosive comments at the weekend.
Ekitike called it a “really important” for Liverpool, who are now five games unbeaten in all competitions following a tough period.
He told BBC Match of the Day: “We had a great game in the Champions League. Last game in Premier League against Leeds was difficult. We came back to Liverpool with the draw so today it was important to win and maybe restart something. I am happy today.
“I really enjoy my life here. I have great team-mates, good staff, great fans. They give me so much love so I try to give it back. The best way is to score goals, be involved and win games.
“I am just here and I do my job. Whether I play with Flo [Wirtz] or Alex [Isak] I do my best to complement them.”
Read –Â Ekitike nets fastest goal as Salah makes Liverpool return
Ekitike: It’s a blessing to play with Salah at Liverpool
Ekitike lauded Salah, who returned to the matchday squad after he was left at home for Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
The Egyptian winger told reporters last Saturday of his frustrations at being named on the bench by Arne Slot for a third consecutive game, complained that he had been made a scapegoat for the team’s poor form, and revealed his relationship with the manager had broken down.
Salah trained alone back on Merseyside while the rest of the side flew out to face Inter Milan on Tuesday, but he was named in the matchday squad to face Brighton following talks with Slot.
“Mohamed is a great, great professional,” Ekitike said. “I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists. He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That’s the kind of player who makes us like to watch football.”
Read – Slot says Liverpool ‘cannot accept’ Salah accusations amid standoff
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