Van Dijk reacts to Hugo Ekitike’s three-word message after ‘brilliant’ Liverpool display
Liverpool players were quick to react to Hugo Ekitike’s message after his brilliant Premier League debut in the 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
The Reds kicked off their title defence at Anfield on 15 August, with Ekitike at the heart of the action. Ekitike marked his Liverpool league debut in style, opening the scoring before setting up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second as they raced into a 2-0 lead.
However, the game took a swing in Bournemouth’s favour after the break, with Antoine Semenyo striking twice in ten minutes to level the score.
Arne Slot turned to his bench, and his change proved decisive. Federico Chiesa restored Liverpool’s lead in the 87th minute before Mohamed Salah sealed the win deep into stoppage time.
Ekitike’s debut was described as “brilliant” by Football Insider after he was heavily involved in almost every attacking move, and the 23-year-old has since shared his own reaction following the performance.
Liverpool stars react to Hugo Ekitike message after debut goal
After marking his Premier League debut with a goal in a thrilling six-goal clash, Ekitike shared a message with supporters following the win.
He posted on Instagram with the caption: “What a feeling!” alongside a picture of his celebration with the Anfield crowd after opening the scoring.
The striker quickly received support from his teammates, with Ryan Gravenberch commenting: “Quality” and Cody Gakpo responding with a heart emoji. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Chiesa also showed their appreciation by liking the post.
He has made an immediate impression since arriving on Merseyside, as Ekitike also found the net in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley. That confident finish was an early sign of what he could offer, and he carried the same sharpness into his league debut against the Cherries.
| Match statistics | Hugo Ekitike |
| Minutes played | 72 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Total shots | 4 |
| Chances created | 2 |
Bournemouth agree deal to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak
While Andoni Iraola’s side left Anfield without any points despite Semenyo’s brace, the club have moved quickly in the transfer market and they may not leave Anfield empty-handed.
Reports suggest Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak, beating competition from the likes of Leeds United and Celtic.
With Dango Ouattara on the verge of joining Brentford, the Cherries had been searching for a replacement and now look set to bring in the highly rated Scottish youngster, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.