It's the STRUGGLE that makes this all more satisfying

EKITIKE FAR FROM FAZED BY REDS' TURBULENT START TO SEASON - AND THE PERFORMANCES PROVE IT

- By THEO SQUIRES

Ekitike has already become a fan favourite

HUGO Ekitike is dreaming big as his first season with Liverpool continues to go from strength-to-strength.

The France international netted his 10th goal for the Reds when scoring a brace in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Coming from 23 appearances, only Daniel Sturridge has scored more goals (eight) in his first 10 Premier League starts for Liverpool than the 23-year-old (seven). Back-to-back braces against Leeds United and Brighton have seen Ekitike rocket up this season's English topflight scoring charts too, with only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago bettering his return.

But considering Ekitike’s own eye-catching performances have come amid the Reds’ own struggles, it has made the start to his Anfield career even more impressive.

Ekitike is not resting on his laurels though. He is adamant he can do more and wants to be the very best.

And not satisfied with the campaign so far, he is hopeful that Liverpool can use their struggles and turn it into something positive during the second half of the season.

“I know what people expect. I have my expectations too,” he said. I’m just working on it to be as good as people expect me to be and I know I'm in a place I was dreaming to be.

“I’ve been to so many places and you always have something to reach. I think that’s what football is.