Hugo Ekitike found himself on the substitutes' bench for the first time in his Liverpool career against Atletico Madrid as Arne Slot gave club-record signing Alexander Isak his debut.
However, that didn't prevent the Frenchman from making his mark when called upon. Introduced in the 58th minute, the French striker squandered two golden opportunities as Liverpool needed a last-gasp header from Virgil van Dijk to secure a 3-2 triumph.
Whilst Ekitike failed to find the net against the Spanish side, he has made an impressive start to life at Anfield. Snapped up for an initial £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt, he has bagged three goals and one assist in his opening three appearances for the club.
However, following Liverpool's acquisition of Isak, several pundits have questioned Ekitike's choice to move to Merseyside.
"He better get used to it," TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist observed during the Reds' encounter with Atletico when asked whether Ekitike was unlucky to be relegated to the bench, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Meanwhile, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher acknowledges that Isak will edge Ekitike out of Slot's preferred starting lineup once he reaches full fitness.
And Andy Gray is convinced that Ekitike should have opted for Newcastle United over the Reds, with both the former Everton forward and Richard Keys maintaining he would have been aware of Liverpool's pursuit of Isak when he made his own switch to Anfield.
Ekiteke was given a cherished keepsake after the final whistle - Antoine Griezmann's shirt, which he swapped with the veteran player. The pair were seen sharing a warm embrace on the pitch at the end of the match.
Given his legendary status in France, it's no surprise that Griezmann would be an idol to Ekitike. He was clearly thrilled after swapping shirts with Griezmann at the final whistle.
Posting a snap of himself clutching and gazing admiringly at Griezmann's jersey on his Instagram story, Ekitike expressed gratitude to his fellow countryman by tagging the Atletico Madrid star and simply writing: "Legend".
Ekitike is anticipated to be back in Liverpool's starting eleven on Saturday when the Reds face their cross-city neighbours Everton in the season's opening Merseyside derby.