Hugo Ekitike proved he can be a 'great player' as Liverpool 'lost their way' in FA Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace

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TNT Sports expert Ally McCoist believes Hugo Ekitike has proven that he can be a "great player" at Liverpool, despite his side's FA Community Shield defeat. The defending Premier League champions lost 3-2 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. The Reds have had a busy summer transfer market, and new defender Jeremie Frimpong was also on the scoresheet.

'That's how you announce your arrival!' - Ekitike fires Liverpool ahead inside four minutes

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TNT Sports expert Ally McCoist believes Hugo Ekitike proved what a great player he is going to be for Liverpool, despite being on the losing side in the FA Community Shield.

The Reds lost 3-2 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw against last season’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, scored four minutes into his competitive debut to give his new side the lead, but Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot before half-time.

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The Frenchman’s fellow debutant Jeremie Frimpong restored Liverpool’s advantage after the break, but Ismaila Sarr made it 2-2 before second-half substitute Justin Devenny sealed the victory for Palace in the shoot-out.

McCoist believes that Liverpool "lost their way" after Ekitike went off for Alexis Mac Allister in the 71st minute.

"I mentioned earlier that Palace were terrific in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and they played very well in the second half [today]," he said.

Crystal Palace lift Community Shield trophy after beating Liverpool at Wembley

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"I thought you made a valid point and one that has to be accepted though.

"I think Liverpool lost their way when they took Hugo Ekitike off.

"I thought he showed in glimpses what a very good player, or great player, he is going to be for Liverpool."

Ekitike could have had a second goal after being picked out in the penalty area by another of Liverpool’s summer signings, Florian Wirtz, at the start of the second half.

However, the 23-year-old’s header drifted agonisingly wide of the post.

McCoist’s fellow TNT Sports expert Steve McManaman felt that the striker could have scored more despite an impressive performance.

"They lost a little bit of their focus, he missed a couple of chances in the right places," he said.

"But anyone who studied his form back at Frankfurt will know that he missed chances then.

"Being in a better team in a better league, I thought he looked sharp today.

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"So you would hope as a Liverpool fan that he will improve and he will score more goals than he misses.

"I thought he was bright today."

Liverpool will get their 2025/26 Premier League season underway on Friday against Bournemouth, while Palace kick off their campaign against Chelsea on Sunday.

Unlike Liverpool, Palace have had a quiet summer transfer window, having signed just two players.

Oliver Glasner has added left-back Borna Sosa and goalkeeper Walter Benitez to his squad, while keeping hold of the crucial core of players who helped the club win their first major trophy last term.

The Austrian has been vocal about his desire to get more players through the door at Selhurst Park, and McManaman insists that new signings will be crucial if The Eagles are to compete in Europe and the Premier League this season.

"Let’s hope the manager and this team that have just won this trophy get a little bit of help because European football, playing Sunday, playing Thursday, playing Sunday, it is relentless," he added.

"They will need a bigger squad.

Highlights: Palace win Community Shield on penalties after Ekitike scores first Liverpool goal

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"They have brought in two, but they will need a bigger squad.

"The manager has worked wonders for this team, he really has, and the team has responded.

"They have got so much potential, but they could do with a bit of help, because once European football comes round it gets hard.

"The travel, the relentless amount of football you need to play.

"People will pick up injuries, so now it is time for the manager to say please, any chance, open the purse and let’s have a few more signings so we can make it stronger."

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