Even Crystal Palace fans were blown away by Liverpool star at Wembley – ‘straight in my fantasy team’

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Liverpool suffered defeat to Crystal Palace on penalties in the FA Community Shield.

Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner watched their sides play out an entertaining match in the traditional curtain raiser ahead of the new season, although both Crystal Palace and Liverpool could do with some practice from 12 yards after missing two and three penalties respectively.

Hugo Ekitike got the goals underway before Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jeremie Frimpong and Ismaila Sarr contributed to the 2-2 scoreline, and Crystal Palace fans have a lot to say about the new Liverpool No.22 after his display at Wembley.

Crystal Palace fans stunned by Hugo Ekitike

The Frenchman is a hot topic at Selhurst Park, after almost joining the Eagles.

Crystal Palace came close to signing Ekitike from PSG back in September 2023, only for a move to collapse on deadline day, and a January switch to Eintracht Frankfurt then followed after the German side sold Randal Kolo Muani to the Parisians.

26 goals in 64 games for Eintracht Frankfurt led Liverpool to spend £69m on the striker this summer, and he even managed to impress Crystal Palace fans on his competitive debut for the Reds.

One supporter wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “One thing on Liverpool yesterday – Ekitike is going to be the signing of the season. Guy looked unreal. Could you imagine if we actually landed him a few years back?”

Despite the brilliance of Ekitike – who Liverpool fans think connected well with Florian Wirtz – he could soon meet some serious competition for a starting role, as Alexander Isak pushes to leave Newcastle for Anfield.

However, a second Crystal Palace fan feels Slot has no need for the Swede with the talented 22-year-old in his side.

They posted: “(He) went straight in my FPL (Fantasy Premier League) team, they don’t need Isak he is a serious player.”

A third commented: “Ekitike is a baller btw (by the way). Can’t say the same for £120m Wirtz though. Dougie’s (Freedman – former Director of Football at Crystal Palace) talent ID (identification) is unmatched.”

Others expressed regret at missing out on the Reims-born striker back in 2023 and also praised his efforts during the FA Community Shield, where he made a stellar first impression.

How Hugo Ekitike performed statistically during FA Community Shield clash

In his 71 minutes on the pitch, the £69m man made a real impact, and it was telling to see Liverpool begin to cede control to Crystal Palace once Slot replaced him with Alexis Mac Allister.

Ekitike – who Liverpool feel can emulate Kylian Mbappe – completed 14 of his attempted 16 passes, and had three shots in total, keen to test Dean Henderson whenever he could.

The France U21 international also recorded one tackle and one interception, as well as two successful aerial duels as his towering 6ft 5in frame caused Crystal Palace some problems.

Regardless of whether Isak joins Ekitike at Liverpool, Slot will surely be delighted by this £69m addition to his squad – who showed real promise at Wembley.