Liverpool new boy Hugo Ekitike names surprise choice when selecting his best three wingers in the world with team-mate Mohamed Salah included despite recent poor form

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has revealed his surprise picks when naming the three best wingers in the world, with team-mate Mohamed Salah making the list despite his recent dip in form.

The Frenchman, who joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79million summer move, made the admission during a feature with ESPN UK in which he was asked to name his favourite players to watch.

When first asked to name the best strikers in the world right now, Ekitike replied: '[Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappe and [Robert] Lewandowski.'

He then turned to the wingers, responding: '[Lamine] Yamal, Salah and [Michael] Olise,' before adding about Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, 'He's mad.'

It comes amid a turbulent spell for Salah, who was dropped by manager Arne Slot for Wednesday night's 5-1 Champions League victory over Frankfurt. 

The decision paid off handsomely as Liverpool produced one of their sharpest attacking displays of the season, but Salah's reaction drew as much attention as the scoreline.

The 33-year-old went straight down the tunnel after the final whistle, ignoring team-mates who were celebrating on the pitch. 

He later changed both his profile picture and cover image on X, removing photos of himself lifting the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

Salah has scored only twice in his last eight games and his overall form has been questioned following Liverpool's four-match losing run earlier this month. 

His exclusion in Germany was widely described as a statement by Slot, who has rotated his forward line heavily since taking charge.

Jamie Carragher hailed the decision as a bold but justified move, telling CBS Sports that Salah 'should not be a guaranteed starter every week' given his recent form and Liverpool's demanding schedule.

Carragher argued that while Salah remains 'a legendary figure' for the club, he must be treated like any other player when performances dip, adding: 'When Mo Salah isn't being the legendary Mo Salah, he gets treated like one of the other players, which is right.'

Ekitike, meanwhile, has quickly become a fan favourite after scoring in back-to-back appearances, including against former club Frankfurt, and has drawn praise for his composure, pace and finishing.

Liverpool face Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League as they look to maintain momentum and extend their unbeaten domestic run. 

All eyes will be on whether Salah returns to the starting XI for the clash.