Arne Slot hailed the performances of Hugo Ekitike and teenager Rio Ngumoha throughout Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies towards Athletic Bilbao.
The Reds performed two matches towards the Spanish membership on Monday, profitable the primary 4-1 earlier than following it up with a 3-2 victory.
Sixteen-year-old Ngumoha starred within the first of their double-header, scoring a shocking solo purpose earlier than offering an help for Darwin Nunez contained in the opening 5 minutes.
Harvey Elliott accomplished the scoring for Liverpool following an own-goal from Alex Padilla, whereas Gorka Guruzeta scored a late comfort for the LaLiga facet.
Slot fielded a stronger beginning 11 within the second match, handing house debuts to Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Ekitike made an early affect as he assisted Mohamed Salah’s opener after 11 minutes, however Oihan Sancet equalised earlier than half-time for the guests.
Cody Gakpo had an eventful second half, scoring twice for the Reds both facet an own-goal from the Dutchman, whereas Salah skied a penalty late on.
Slot was happy with what he noticed throughout Liverpool’s two matches, as he now turns his consideration to their Neighborhood Defend showdown with Crystal Palace subsequent weekend.
Ekitike Salah pic.twitter.com/Bt0w8CDI4o
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2025
“In each video games, we created numerous probabilities. We scored seven objectives and that’s very pleasing to see,” he informed LFCTV.
“That happy me most, the flexibility to create probabilities. We have now added Hugo, who might be participant for us. Rio is exhibiting good issues in each recreation in pre-season.
“[Conceding] two set-piece objectives will not be what you need, particularly once you face Crystal Palace subsequent week. It’s one thing to work on.”
Ekitike, who performed 57 minutes on his Anfield debut, added: “I loved it lots. It was such environment. I really feel proud, and I simply want to play so many video games on this stadium as a result of it’s wonderful.
“I’m nonetheless looking for connections with the opposite gamers. It’s a pleasure to play with them. We have now little issues to repair, however I actually take pleasure in enjoying with them.
“I’m positive we’ll do good issues this season. It was essential to play with confidence, however the true season begins on Sunday. We’re wanting ahead to it. We’re going to give 100%. I’m right here to win.”
