As Hugo Ekitike walked off to the cheers of the Anfield crowd last Saturday, he took his seat on the bench. Alexander Isak patted his teammate’s hair from behind. A finisher recognised another finisher.
Isak’s chance will come again, but the record £125m summer signing sits sidelined with a broken leg. All he can do is watch and admire Ekitike. And there is plenty to admire.
Liverpool fans have quickly forgotten the absence of Sweden international Isak. Ekitike has adapted seamlessly to Premier League life.
Impressive Numbers and Historic Feats
Since joining Liverpool for £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt, the 23-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided four assists in all competitions.
Last month, Ekitike scored in the FA Cup and became only the second Liverpool player to score in five different competitions in his debut season, alongside Kenny Dalglish.
Beyond the statistics, he offers serious pace, intelligent game reading, strong link-up play, and clinical finishing.
In recent weeks, pundits have compared him to Fernando Torres, one of Liverpool’s best modern finishers. Alan Shearer described his second goal against Newcastle as “world class,” while Wayne Rooney called him “one of, if not the best signing in the Premier League this season.”
Rooney added: “He drifts wide, joins the build-up, brings players into the game, and can score. He has a bit of everything.”
A Forward With Versatility
Ekitike thrives in many scenarios thanks to his expansive skillset. His toe-poked finish against Newcastle sparked conversations, but it is a deliberate technique he has practised for years.
A behind-the-scenes training video from July shows him scoring in the same manner. His shooting leg barely swings back, leaving goalkeepers unable to anticipate the strike.
This uncommon technique allows him to catch defenders off-guard, drawing comparisons with Brazilian legend Romario, known for similar finishes.
Liverpool first contacted Ekitike in January 2025. Boss Arne Slot spoke directly to him at the end of the previous season.
The club believed he could develop into one of Europe’s top forwards. Data played a crucial role in convincing them to sign him. Since the 2020-21 season, Liverpool’s under-23 striker tracking highlighted Haaland, Mbappe, Isak, and Ekitike as the most promising talents.
Newcastle nearly signed him in the summer, but Ekitike chose Liverpool. He settled quickly in Merseyside, moving into the house previously occupied by Luis Diaz.
Off the Pitch Popularity
Instagram posts have made him a fan favourite off the pitch. His “Finsta” account shares behind-the-scenes content that often goes viral. Ekitike shows a comfort with being himself.
Last week, Liverpool shared a video captioned “Hugo Hugs,” showing him embracing a member of the canteen staff. In December, he met a football boot reseller outside the training ground to take pictures and sign autographs with fans.
Slot said: “He is funny, happy, and brings energy to training and the stadium. Fans love him. From the start, everyone saw how special and fast he is.”
Work-Rate and Tactical Adaptation
Slot noticed Ekitike’s raw talent immediately. His biggest improvement came in his work-rate off the ball.
Unlike some attackers who neglect defensive duties, Ekitike follows his manager’s instructions when Liverpool build from the back. Slot adjusted the pressing system this season, asking Ekitike to pressure higher up the pitch.
Slot also focused on Ekitike’s physical profile. At times, Ekitike needed convincing to prioritise strength training. Slot explained that defending set-pieces helps him score more by keeping the game open.
“Still, he needs to get stronger,” Slot said in December. “He has become stronger, but he already has speed, finishing, dribbling, and footwork. His biggest improvement now is physicality.”
Preparing for the Premier League
Ekitike follows an individualised programme, similar to Florian Wirtz’s, to handle the physicality of two to three matches a week. Training emphasises muscle building, durability, and recovery.
He has also developed strong on-pitch chemistry with Wirtz. “Playing with him is so much fun. He knows my movements and links up perfectly,” Wirtz said.
Their associative play mirrors the style of former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino. Diagonal passes, clever flicks, and small-space one-twos create chances against stubborn defences.
As Liverpool struggles against low blocks, Ekitike’s combination play will become increasingly valuable. Wirtz added: “He surprised me in training and matches because I didn’t know he was that good.”
A Selection Dilemma for Liverpool
Ekitike’s form raises a selection challenge once Isak returns. There is room for both, but Ekitike has become indispensable in Liverpool’s attack.
He has scored or assisted every 112 minutes this season, the best ratio by a Liverpool player in their debut season since Salah in 2017-18. Against Manchester City, he will face Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland.
Ekitike said in November: “If I can improve, I would take lessons from his game.”
He also shared favourite films in October, citing Whiplash and The Wolf of Wall Street, both centred on ambition and the pursuit of greatness.
It is fair to say the boy from Reims is chasing his own greatness.
