Hugo Ekitike wins LFC Player of the Month award for December

Hugo Ekitike was voted Liverpool's Standard Chartered Men's Player of the Month for December.

The France international claimed the award for the first time since he joined the Reds during the summer.

Ekitike helped Arne Slot's men to navigate the month without defeat across all competitions, scoring five goals and creating one in his six appearances.

He took almost half of the votes in our poll of supporters on Liverpoolfc.com, finishing ahead of Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Upon collecting the prize at the AXA Training Centre, the No.22 said: "It feels great. It has been a really good month for me and for the team. I am proud and happy and I hope many more are coming.

"I could score more and give more assists but it was a pretty good month, good wins as well, which was the most important thing for us. I'm happy that I helped the team.

"Obviously we had a difficult period so staying unbeaten in the league was important. Also, when we went away to Milan, that was a good game for us mentally and it's good that we don't lose games anymore.

"Now we have to win more."

Asked if that Champions League victory at Internazionale was his highlight of the month, Ekitike replied: "Team-wise, yes, because I think it has been really good for the [mindset].

"But I really liked the Brighton game, it was a good game to play in with the two goals and the win. I really enjoyed playing that game."

Overall, Ekitike has netted 11 goals and provided a pair of assists since switching to the Reds during the summer.

And the forward underscored his happiness with making the latest chapter in his career at Anfield.

"I feel really good here," he added. "As I always say, I enjoy playing football in my life. I really enjoy being here with all my teammates and all the people here in the club.

"I think it helps also mentally, I feel great. Since the start. I had a very good feeling when I joined here, and now I'm sure.

"I just want to keep going and keep bringing what I can do and my energy into the team."