Hugo Ekitike was once a rare example of a footballer who benefited from not playing - but now he deserves his chance to shine.

The striker has unfairly found himself reduced to Liverpool's bench ahead of a Champions League reunion with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 23-year-old has arguably been the only instant hit of the Reds' record-breaking £446million summer splurge so far this season.

Ekitike scored five goals in his first ten appearances under Arne Slot , including in the Community Shield and the Merseyside derby.

His early form in Red led to suggestions that he could replicate the front-two partnership he struck up with Manchester City's Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt following Liverpool's deadline-day capture of Alexander Isak for a British record £125m.

Isak doe

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