Why Dominik Szoboszlai will be the real winner if Liverpool manage to sign Hugo Ekitike

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Hugo Ekitike’s transfer to Liverpool seems to be entering its final stages.

The Reds’ main striker target this summer was Alexander Isak, but after Newcastle stood firm with their ‘not for sale’ stance, Arne Slot chose to go all in on the young Frenchman.

And, while it’s certainly a risk due to the 2024-25 season being the only one where Ekitike has scored over 10 goals, the potential he has is immense.

This is likely one of the main reasons that Liverpool are going all-in on the attacker this summer.

Indeed, his arrival is set to improve the fortunes of the team altogether, but at the moment, it feels like Dominik Szoboszlai could end up being the one who benefits the most.

German football expert believes Hugo Ekitike’s pressing is similar to Dominik Szoboszlai’s

There’s no denying that Szoboszlai is one of the best pressing players in the Premier League.

The Hungary international was among Slot’s best performers last season as he managed to help out in both attack and defence.

And, while speaking on talkSPORT, German football expert Constantin Eckner gave his thoughts on the Reds’ potential signing of Ekitike.

“Ekitike is a bit of a lanky striker, 6’2, but [he’s] actually quite a good technician and he’s also someone who can dribble and come from outside of the box,” Eckner said.

“There’s also something else which probably is highly valued by Arne Slot, he’s a great pressing player.

“You’ve got Dominik Szoboszlai, who’s one of the best pressing players in the Premier League and adding Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, so they might be a force to be reckoned with.”

Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike could benefit one another

As pressing is a massive part in the way that both Szoboszlai and Ekitike play football, it’s clear that Slot has a specific profile of player in mind when it comes to his first-team squad.

Last season, Liverpool were one of the most dominant teams in the Premier League, with hardly any teams getting the better of them, that is, until the latter end of the season, of course.

However, now that players such as Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and potentially Ekitike are all being brought in, it’s clear that Slot wants an injection of youth into his set-up.

At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess how Liverpool’s spending spree could end up working out, but on paper, it’s hard to see how the Anfield outfit won’t be the team to beat in the 2025-26 season.