1 hour ago
2
France boss Didier Deschamps has given a glowing review of Hugo Ekitike’s start as an international player, with the Liverpool star’s hopes of making next year’s World Cup looking promising.
The 23-year-old has had a productive international break, having scored his first goal for his country against Ukraine on Thursday before being handed his second start against Azerbaijan on Sunday.
Although the French media didn’t seem too impressed with his latest outing in Baku, Ekitike’s stock continues to rise following his move to Anfield in the summer, with the striker having been one of only a few Liverpool players to have gained a positive reputation so far this season.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt star was only handed his international debut a couple of months ago, but he has now featured in each of his country’s last six games.
He will of course find a regular starting berth hard to come by with Kylian Mbappe around, but Ekitike has done his chances of being included in Deschamps’ squad for next year’s tournament no harm.
"We average a little over two goals per match which is very good," Deschamps said after his side’s win in Azerbaijan.
"[Jean-Philippe] Mateta was making only his second ever start and he scored a lovely header. So that's great for us and for him.
"Ekitike is gaining confidence too. He's a young player with lots of dynamism and he was able to express himself with his stamina to get around the pitch as well as his ability to penetrate with his speed.
"So they're another two pieces to consider on the offensive side of the ball going forward."
Deschamps’ latest comments come after he hailed Ekitike’s impact from the bench against Ukraine just a few days earlier, with the French boss seemingly enamored with the Liverpool star.
“It's to his credit. He's one of the players who hasn't had much experience with us, but it's going in a positive direction, like for other players,” Deschamps said after that game.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
“He made a thunderous entrance. He even scored. He's happy, he's doing very well, he wants to play. They all have an interest in making the most of their playing time, and that was the case for him on Thursday.”
Ekitike will now hope he take the confidence he has gained over the past week or so back to Liverpool as the Reds aim to turn their season around.
Arne Slot’s side returns to action in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, needing to make up some ground after falling eight points behind leader Arsenal before the international break.
English (US) ·