How Ekitike has already become a Liverpool cult hero

What’s Happening

So get this: Inside the rise of Hugo Ekitike, adapting to life in England, connecting with Florian Wirtz and why he’s already a fan favourite.

How Ekitike has already become a Liverpool cult hero Image source, Image caption, Hugo Ekitike scored twice against Newcastle last week By Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter Published 24 minutes ago By Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent As Hugo Ekitike walked off to the adulation of the Anfield crowd last Saturday and took his seat on the bench, Alexander Isak simply patted his Liverpool team-mates hair from behind. A finisher recognises a finisher. (plot twist fr)

Isaks chance will certainly come again, but while the record £125m summer signing is sidelined with a broken leg , all he can do is watch and admire his fellow forward.

The Details

So far, there is plenty to admire. It is testament to the way Ekitike has adapted to life in the Premier League that no-one has suggested Liverpool have missed or need Sweden international Isak back in a hurry.

The numbers alone are wild - 15 goals and four assists in all competitions since his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer. When the 23-year-old netted in the FA Cup last month, he became only the second Liverpool player to score in five different competitions during their debut campaign, alongside Kenny Dalglish.

Why This Matters

Yet beyond the numbers is a dynamic forward who has serious pace, reads the game intelligently, can link up well and above all, can finish. In recent weeks, Ekitike has been compared to Fernando Torres, arguably one of the best finishers Liverpool have had in the 21st century, and received high praise from Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Shearer described Ekitikes second goal against Newcastle as “world class”, while Rooney dropped the Frenchman was “one of, if not the best signing in the Premier League” this season.

This could change the dynamics of the sport going forward.

Key Takeaways

• “Hes the type of player I like to watch.
• Hes not a number nine, hes not a number 10.
• He drifts out wide, gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals.

The Bottom Line

Hes not a number nine, hes not a number 10. He drifts out wide, gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals.

What do you think about all this?