Hugo Ekitike’s ability to run at defences rather than trying to play the ball around them could be one of the main reasons he’s been so good for Liverpool.
The attacker has been the player most involved with goals for the Reds since his arrival, and, to be honest, he brings something completely different to the team.
Ekitike can be used as a winger or a number nine, which in this day and age is essential to stand out from the crowd.
Liverpool’s 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday proved once again why Ekitike must start every game for Liverpool, with Andy Cole left in awe of the Frenchman’s performance.
“I do [like Ekitike and Isak],” Cole said on Match of the Day.
“They’re both of good age, we were just speaking there, they’ve bought for the future, and I can see them playing as a two.
“Because if they do play as a two, ultimately, they’re going to cause chaos, a lot of chaos because they’ve both pace, they’ve both got ability and they’re both prepared to take players on.
“And if you look at Ekitike’s goals then, what I loved about it, his first through was ‘I’m running forward’ and we don’t see that a lot in the modern day game where centre-forwards want to run in behind.”
Liverpool don’t look like the same team without Hugo Ekitike in their starting XI
Ekitike has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s most successful signing of the summer transfer window.
Many thought that Alexander Isak or Florian Wirtz would be the ones making headlines, but, in reality, that’s been far from the case.
Ekitike has contributed to seven goals across all competitions for Liverpool thus far, but his off-the-ball work also catches the eye.
The Frenchman is constantly looking to fill in the gaps left by his teammates, while also seeking to exploit those left by his opponents.
He often chooses to make a run rather than pass the ball around, which throws off opposing players.
The fact that he’s still just 23 years old means that he still has plenty of room to grow with his initial transfer fee of £69 million starting to look like a bargain.
Hugo Ekitike’s game against Frankfurt in numbers
Although Ekitike wasn’t kept on for the full 90 minutes, he made more than enough of an impact during the 74 minutes he had on the pitch.
As per Sofascore, the attacker had three shots on Wednesday evening, with two of them being on target.
Indeed, he did end up missing one big chance, but after the performance he put in, fans will hopefully cut him a bit of slack.
66 per cent of his dribbles were successful while he only lost possession of the ball nine times.
Surprisingly, he was also pretty impressive defensively, as he won 80 per cent of his ground duels.
Not only do the statistics prove that he had a good game, but the fact that he played in an opposite way to Isak will also play in his favour.
One of the Reds’ main problems this season has been finishing the chances that get created.
Mohamed Salah has been nowhere near his best for Liverpool, with Isak only just starting to get fit.
So, after Ekitike’s performance against his former club on Wednesday, it’s hard to see why Slot would even consider dropping him against Brentford.
His clinical nature will massively benefit him and Liverpool as the season goes on, with the Frenchman likely to become even better after he’s properly settled in.
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