Journalist heaps praise on ‘flying’ £69m Liverpool star

Hugo Ekitike: The Shining Star of Liverpool’s Challenging Season

Liverpool’s season has been one of mixed fortunes. After securing the Premier League title in his debut season, manager Arne Slot has faced a tricky second campaign. Currently sitting fifth in the league, the Reds have shown flashes of brilliance but have often fallen short. Yet, through it all, one player has stood out as a beacon of hope: Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike’s Impact Since Arrival

Ekitike arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for a hefty £69 million, making him one of Liverpool’s marquee signings in recent years. Despite a few growing pains early on, the French forward has more than justified his price tag. His current form has been exceptional, with 11 goals across all competitions this season. His ability to score consistently has been one of the few bright spots in a season that has not always gone according to plan.

David Lynch, speaking with Dave Davis for Anfield Index, has highlighted Ekitike’s growing influence, particularly in Liverpool’s recent 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Ekitike’s performance in that match was a reminder of just how vital he has become to Liverpool’s attacking line-up. Scoring the decisive second goal, Ekitike showed his class, bringing his tally to five goals in just three Premier League matches. This includes two against Leeds United, another two against Brighton, and the crucial strike against Spurs.

Rising to the Challenge

Lynch was quick to praise Ekitike’s resilience and physicality, especially in his battle with Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, a defender known for his strength and tenacity. “I loved his goal because he’s up against a really physical defender and he comes out dominant in the air against Cristian Romero, who is a quality defender,” said Lynch. This moment perfectly encapsulated the confidence that Ekitike is playing with right now.

Despite a brief dip in form earlier in the season, Ekitike has really come into his own, with his recent performances showing that he’s in the best form of his Liverpool career so far. As Lynch pointed out, “He’s flying at the moment. He had a little bit of a dip a few weeks back but he has really come out of that and it has been a really good first half of the season at Liverpool.”

The Future of Liverpool’s Attack

With Alexander Isak now sidelined due to a suspected broken leg and Mohamed Salah off to the Africa Cup of Nations, much of Liverpool’s attacking hopes rest on Ekitike’s shoulders. The forward has been one of the standout performers in a season where many of the club’s other summer signings are still finding their feet. As Lynch rightly notes, “A lot of the summer signings are coming into their own but Ekitike has been the best of the bunch so far and he proved it again on Saturday with such an important goal.”

Photo: IMAGO

In a season that has seen its fair share of disappointment, Ekitike’s contributions provide Liverpool fans with reason for optimism. His goals are not only crucial for their current position in the table but also a testament to his growth as a player. As the season progresses, the Reds will need their £69 million signing to continue his impressive run if they are to keep pace with the top of the Premier League.

With key players absent and a season that hasn’t gone as planned, Liverpool’s title defence has faced several hurdles. Yet, the emergence of Hugo Ekitike as one of the most impactful signings is something for fans to latch onto. His consistent goal-scoring form and his ability to thrive under pressure provide a glimpse of what’s to come. For Ekitike, the journey at Liverpool is just beginning, and if his current trajectory is anything to go by, the best may still be to come.