Q&AHugo Ekitike: I want to achieve something big with Liverpool

The French striker has enjoyed a fine beginning to his Reds career since joining the club from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

A quickfire double in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend took Ekitike up to 15 goals in all competitions so far this term.

With plenty still to play for with Liverpool in the remainder of the season and a World Cup to follow, the No.22 wants to keep that level going.

Asked about his aims for this calendar year during a Q&A with Sky Sports, he said: "Probably [to] achieve something big with Liverpool, so win a trophy.

"Personally, just keep doing what I'm doing actually. And go to the World Cup with the national team. That would be special, very special."

Read on for a summary of the rest of the interview, in which Ekitike answered questions submitted by fans.

Which teammate made you feel the most welcome when you first arrived in Liverpool?

Ibou [Konate]. I have to say Ibou obviously. He spoke in French to me and explained everything about the club, the people. I have to say, everybody really welcomed me well. Jeremie [Frimpong], Kostas Tsimikas but obviously he is not here anymore. He was really good with me, we talked a lot. But kind of everybody.

Which player inspired you the most growing up?

I have two. I would say Neymar and Karim Benzema are the players that impressed me the most and I was watching the most when I was at home. So I would say those two. Really good football players to watch with assists, goals. [Benzema] because he played the same position and I love the way he plays, he's a really good football player to watch. He does assists, goals and he plays for the team. That's what I'm expecting to become.

How is the Scouse accent coming along?

I love it but honestly, it's too difficult for me! But I like it. I'm training - let's do it after one full season. I will try to speak it more maybe next season. This season, focus more on football.

What did you notice about the Premier League that is different?

Probably the intensity and the number of games we play. And always the highest intensity and level. You can't play a Premier League game and be at 60 per cent of yourself because you'll get bullied and you'll do nothing. So you need to be ready physically, mentally every three days, every week to play every game.

Did it take a while behind the scenes to settle in and get to know your teammates?

I have really good teammates, it's kind of easy. They are really open to talk. I kind of talk to everybody. They help me in every way. We don't see each other much outside of the pitch and outside of the training ground and games, but it's always good times when you're training and games. They are a really good group of guys.

Why did you pick Liverpool?

First of all because they are champions last season. You can join the best team in England. How can you say no? And obviously the players, the style of play. I saw myself playing in this team, I was thinking it would look really good. For me that was the best choice. Really easy [decision].

Who would be better - you in goal or Alisson [Becker] as a striker?

One hundred per cent Ali as a striker! I'm terrible [in goal], I could never. Never!

How do you switch off away from football?

I like music, I like clothes, I like basketball and American football. I watch a lot of stuff, listen to a lot of stuff, play games with my family. There's so many things I can do to switch off from football.