Hugo Ekitike Explodes Onto the Scene, Demolishing Liverpool's 75-Year Record with Spectacular Debut Strike

Hugo Ekitiké required only a single attempt, a couple of touches, and 228 seconds to net his inaugural competitive strike for Liverpool.

The Merseyside supporters had barely finished expressing their displeasure at the national anthem performed before Sunday's Community Shield when Liverpool's summer signing emerged at the penalty area's edge. Following a quick exchange with fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz, Ekitiké collected the ball once more, twisting his powerful frame past Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Chris Richards to create sufficient space for a precise strike that found the bottom corner.

With Dean Henderson lying flat on the turf, the timer showed 3 minutes and 48 seconds. Daniel Sturridge previously held the record for Liverpool's quickest debut goal since World War II, scoring in the seventh minute during an FA Cup third-round victory against Mansfield Town in 2013.

To locate the last player who managed a faster debut strike for the Reds than Ekitiké, one must look back 97 years. On August 25, 1928, Billy Millar opened the scoring for his new club against Bury within the first minute. Millar added another in the second period but would never find the net for Liverpool again.

To be fair to Millar, he was granted only two additional first-team matches for Liverpool. The Northern Irish striker battled injuries before transferring to Barrow in 1930, where he would regain his scoring touch and earn international recognition.

Ekitiké, whose transfer fee far exceeded the £1,150 Liverpool spent on Millar, will undoubtedly hope for a much more extended stint on Merseyside. Based on his initial performances in Liverpool colors, that goal should be easily attainable.

The exceptionally talented French striker confused Athletic Club's defense during an outstanding pre-season match at Anfield on Monday, providing a dynamic focal point for an impressively fluid attack. Leading up to Ekitiké's record-setting Wembley goal this weekend, Liverpool constructed an intricate passing move that lasted 66 seconds and involved nine of their 11 players, according to Opta.

Despite Ekitiké's outstanding contribution, his swift opener was eventually neutralized by Liverpool's resilient adversaries. Palace managed to equalize twice, pushing the prestigious match to a penalty shootout that they ultimately claimed.