Thierry Henry tells Hugo Ekitike exactly what he thinks of him after another big Liverpool goal

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Thierry Henry paid a glowing tribute to Hugo Ekitike live on air after seeing the Liverpool striker score against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Ekitike has been in patchy form of late, but has generally had a very good debut season with the Reds.

His goal against Gala was a big moment, putting Liverpool ahead in the tie after missing a raft of clear-cut chances. And as he spoke to Jamie Carragher for CBS Sports Golazo after the match, Henry spoke up to recall a phone call between him and Ekitike while managing France U21s.

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Henry full of respect for Ekitike comeback

Given their comparative skillsets, Ekitike has seen plenty of comparisons to Henry since he arrived at Liverpool.

The 23-year-old certainly has his predecessor’s approval, with Henry outlining his admiration for the impressive way Ekitike left Paris Saint Germain to forge a career elsewhere.

“First and foremost, congratulations Hugo,” said the World Cup winner. “I don’t know if people know, but I was the coach of the [France] U21s and I phoned Hugo and he wasn’t well at the time, he wasn’t really playing.”

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“I don’t know if you remember that, but I said he has all the attributes to be a good nine because not a lot of nines can do what he does around Europe. I said I will follow him.

“Unfortunately, I left and he went on to have an outstanding comeback in Frankfurt.

“I want to give you my respect, because where you were, you decided to leave Paris Saint Germain and you became a good striker. So, I have to give you your respect because you went out there to get it and I saw that dedication.”

Ekitike could – and probably should – have scored far more than the 17 goals he now has this season. Against Galatasaray alone he could have had a hat-trick. But, as Henry says, he is clearly a battler, and that is why Liverpool fans have warmed to him so much.

Henry certainly knows his strikers, and if you’ve done enough to impress him, then you’ve clearly got something just a little bit special.