Can Ekitike's 'confidence and swagger' rub off on others?

A week in which your team scores 10 goals should have any fan absolutely purring about what's to come next, but Liverpool fans have been stung before this season. A week of majorly positive wins against both Aston Villa and Real Madrid was swiftly followed by a complete collapse at Manchester City, and with the same opposition to come on Sunday, fans are right to feel a little apprehensive. The Reds' ability to bounce back from setbacks has been a hallmark of their success in recent years, and Jürgen Klopp will be hoping that his side can draw on that resilience as they prepare to face one of their toughest tests of the season.

Chief among the reasons for optimism is the growth of Liverpool's once-criticised summer signings. Ekitike, in particular, has been a revelation in recent weeks, bringing a level of confidence and swagger to the team that has been missing at times this season. His goals against Aston Villa and Real Madrid were a testament to his improving form, and his overall performance has been a key factor in Liverpool's upturn in fortunes. The French striker's ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has been a major asset, and his pace and movement have caused problems for defenders in recent weeks.

The question now is whether Ekitike's confidence and swagger can rub off on others in the team. The likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they have also been guilty of inconsistency at times. If Ekitike can continue to lead by example and inspire his teammates to raise their game, then Liverpool may finally be able to put together a run of consistent performances that will allow them to challenge for major honours. With Manchester City on the horizon, the Reds will need to be at their best if they are to come away with a positive result, but with Ekitike in this kind of form, they will certainly fancy their chances.

As the season enters its final stretch, Liverpool fans will be hoping that their team can build on the momentum of the past week and push on towards a strong finish. The Reds have the talent and the depth to compete with anyone in the league, and with Ekitike leading the charge, they may finally be able to put together a run of form that will allow them to challenge for the title. It's been a long and often frustrating season for Liverpool fans, but with their team finally starting to click into gear, the excitement is building, and the prospect of a thrilling finale to the campaign is very much on the cards.