The Rise of Hugo Ekitike: A Cult Hero in the Making
As the Anfield crowd roared their approval last Saturday, Hugo Ekitike's journey at Liverpool took another step forward. With a simple pat on the head from teammate Alexander Isak, the stage was set for Ekitike's ascent into cult hero status.
Isak, the record-breaking £125m summer signing, is currently sidelined with a broken leg, leaving him to admire Ekitike's prowess from the sidelines. And admire he does, for Ekitike's impact has been nothing short of impressive.
It's a testament to Ekitike's seamless transition to the Premier League that no one is clamoring for Isak's return. The numbers speak for themselves: 15 goals and 4 assists across all competitions since his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt. But it's more than just statistics.
Ekitike is a dynamic forward with pace to burn, an intelligent game-reader, and an exceptional finisher. In fact, he's only the second Liverpool player to score in five different competitions during his debut campaign, joining the legendary Kenny Dalglish in that exclusive club.
But here's where it gets controversial... Ekitike has been compared to the great Fernando Torres, one of Liverpool's finest finishers in recent memory. And the praise keeps pouring in, with Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney heaping accolades upon him. Shearer described Ekitike's goal against Newcastle as "world-class," while Rooney proclaimed him "one of, if not the best signing in the Premier League" this season.
"He's the kind of player I love to watch," Rooney added. "He's not a typical number nine or ten. He drifts wide, gets on the ball, involves teammates, and scores goals. He's got a bit of everything."
What sets Ekitike apart is his ability to thrive in various scenarios, thanks to an expansive skill set. His unusual toe-poked finish against Newcastle sparked conversation, but it's a deliberate tactic he's honed. In a training video from July, Ekitike showcased this unique technique, catching opponents off-guard with his unconventional strikes.
The comparisons to legendary Brazilian forward Romario are inevitable, as both players have mastered the art of the toe-poke finish. It's a skill that sets Ekitike apart and adds an extra layer of intrigue to his game.
Liverpool's interest in Ekitike dates back to January 2025, when they first made contact with his camp. Boss Arne Slot saw the potential in Ekitike and believed he could develop into one of Europe's top forwards. The data backed up this belief, and Liverpool pushed ahead with the deal.
Since the 2020-21 season, Liverpool's assessment of the top under-23 strikers has included the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Isak, and Ekitike. Newcastle came close to signing him in the summer, but Ekitike's heart was set on Liverpool. And it's a decision that has paid dividends.
Ekitike has settled into life on Merseyside seamlessly, moving into the house once occupied by Luis Diaz. His presence off the pitch is just as captivating as his on-field exploits. Instagram dumps are a talking point among the Liverpool squad, and Ekitike's "Finsta" account has become a fan favorite, with his behind-the-scenes content going viral.
Last week, Liverpool posted a video titled "Hugo Hugs," showcasing Ekitike's warm embrace with one of the canteen staff. It's these small moments that showcase Ekitike's genuine nature and his ability to connect with people.
Slot described Ekitike as "funny, happy, and always bringing a nice energy to the training ground and the stadium." From the start, it was evident that Ekitike was something special, with his speed and raw attributes standing out.
Slot recognized Ekitike's potential from the outset and has worked on improving his work rate off the ball. Some attackers might shy away from defensive duties, but Ekitike has embraced his manager's instructions, especially when it comes to pressing the opposition's build-up play.
In previous seasons, Mohamed Salah would press high alongside the Liverpool striker, with the right-back or a midfielder joining in. This aggressive press helped Liverpool win the ball higher up the pitch but left them vulnerable in deeper areas. Slot has implemented a new strategy this season, asking his wingers to focus on their respective full-backs, with Ekitike taking on a more advanced pressing role.
A key area of focus has been Ekitike's physical profile. Slot admitted that convincing Ekitike of the importance of defensive work was initially tricky, but the Frenchman has bought into the system. Slot explained that defending set-pieces would make it easier to score, as opponents tend to be more open when the score is level.
"He still needs to get stronger," Slot insisted. "But he's already become stronger. His offensive qualities remain intact - he's fast, he scores, and he has great footwork and dribbling skills. He's got so much to offer. I think he's adjusted to the Premier League now. The biggest improvement will come from his physicality, as he can become truly outstanding."
Ekitike's hard work is paying dividends, much like Florian Wirtz's individualized bulking program last summer. The focus has been on building muscle, improving durability, and enhancing recovery between games and training. Both players are reaping the rewards, with their physicality and skill set perfectly suited to the demands of the Premier League.
"Both players will see the improvements when they look in the mirror," a Liverpool source said.
On the pitch, Liverpool's attacking duo has formed an ever-improving connection. "It's so much fun to play with him (Ekitike) because he knows how I move and how we link up," Wirtz said. The concept of associative play is evident in their partnership, with slick moves and diagonal passes a regular feature of their play.
This style of play carries risk, but when it clicks, it can be devastating. Quick one-twos in small spaces can break down stubborn defenses, and as their chemistry develops, this approach will become even more effective.
With Liverpool's struggles against low blocks, utilizing Ekitike's unique skill set will be crucial. His ability to drift wide, involve teammates, and finish with precision will be a valuable asset as the season progresses.
"He surprised me when I first saw him train and play because I didn't know he was that good," Wirtz added.
As Ekitike continues his ascent, Slot will face a healthy selection dilemma once Isak returns from injury. There's room for both forwards, but it's hard to imagine Liverpool starting a game without Ekitike leading the line. He's scored or assisted every 112 minutes in the Premier League this season, the best ratio by a Liverpool player in their debut season since Salah in 2017-18.
On Sunday, Ekitike will face off against Erling Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer, in a battle of the strikers. When asked about Haaland, Ekitike said, "I think if I can add a little bit to my game, it would be from his."
When BBC Sport sat down with Ekitike in October, he revealed his favorite films: Whiplash and The Wolf of Wall Street. Two movies, two themes - ambition and the pursuit of greatness. And that's exactly what Ekitike is doing - chasing his own greatness, one goal and assist at a time.
