Liverpool icon Emile Heskey backs Ekitke to become Reds ‘star’

Emile Heskey believes in-form Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has all the ingredients to become a star for his former club.

French forward Ekitike, 23, notched his third Premier League goal in five appearances on Saturday to help the Reds seal a precious 2-1 derby success over neighbours Everton and maintain their perfect start.

Having also scored against Bournemouth and Newcastle, only Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland has scored more than Ekitike in the English top flight this term – and Heskey likes what he’s seen.

Ekitke can be a star

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of Bookiesbonuses.com, ex-Red Heskey said: “I’ve been really impressed with Ekitike so far.

‘He looked sharp from his opening game and confidence wise, there is nothing better than getting on the scoresheet and playing a big role in a home win.

“With signing so early in the window, he would have got a good feel for the club, had a good pre-season and you can see that by the way he has been performing. Liverpool are three wins from three.

“I think he’ll be delighted with his opening shows and based on what I’ve seen, he can go on to become a real star for the club.”

Wirtz needs time

In what was a busy summer of transfer activity at Anfield, Liverpool also captured the signature of German international Florian Wirtz in a club-record £100million deal – which could rise to a British transfer record £116million with add-ons.

Wirtz, 22, registered 23 direct goal contributions in 31 Bundesliga appearances for his old club Bayer Leverkusen last season but has made a slow start to life in England – still hunting for a first goal or assist.

The creative midfielder found himself benched for last weekend’s Merseyside derby and critics are already questioning his performance levels.

However, Heskey believes Wirtz needs more time to truly show his best level with Liverpool.

He said: “I think he has settled in quite well really.

“It’s always difficult coming from a different league and a different style of play. Especially against Arsenal, I believe Arne Slot looked to set Liverpool up differently to the other two games. Liverpool had conceded a couple of goals in each game, so against a title rival the role for Wirtz was going to be different there.

“I wouldn’t be concerned at all. It’s a long season. The more he plays, the more comfortable he will be in the team and with a very long campaign ahead it’s a team game.

“Slot will remind him to be brave when he gets in good areas and I am sure he will be even more effective as the weeks go on.

“The manager has shown he can get the best out of players, so I’m confident we will see Wirtz perform like he has done in Germany very soon.”

Liverpool are next in action on Tuesday night when they host Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup, before a potentially tricky trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend.