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Danny Murphy praised Hugo Ekitike’s “sensational” start to life at Liverpool, and claimed the striker has been among the Reds’ best players this season.
Ekitike proved to be the match-winner once again on Saturday as he netted both goals in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, taking his tally this season up to 10 goals in all competitions. The Frenchman is also on seven goals in the Premier League, a total only Igor Thiago and Erling Haaland have bettered.
Against Brighton, he handed Liverpool the lead after just 46 seconds when he powerfully smashed the ball beyond Bart Verbruggen, before heading home Mohamed Salah’s corner in the second half.
It was a display that was more about than two goals, though. Ekitike played a pivotal role in the Reds’ fluid build-up play, often linking well with Florian Wirtz, while he consistently posed a threat on the counterattack.
It was a display that certainly impressed Murphy. “He [Ekitike] has been the shining light of the new signings. You could argue he's been, with [Dominik] Szoboszlai, probably Liverpool's best player this season,” opined the former Liverpool midfielder, speaking on Match of the Day.
“The whole team started well,” he continued. There was a great urgency about them.
“Ekitike, for your first chance in the game, that is something. He’s a confident lad. He plays free, I think.
“He seems to have complete belief in himself. He'll take shots on from wherever. He wants to score goals and get himself in good positions.
“When he goes deep, he's got good technique and good vision. He can run; he's quick. I thought he grew in the second half and got even better. He was getting more confident, wanting to be the main man and make an impact on the game.
“He deserved everything he got today. His work rate was good off the ball. You need that when you played for Liverpool.
“He has belief in himself. With his height and his presence, he's going to get plenty of headers. The fans have taken to him. He's he's been sensational.”
The only downside of Ekitike’s Anfield outing was a late knock that resulted in him being forced off.
“Just before I took him off, there was a moment he could hardly walk anymore because of cramp,” explained Arne Slot in his post-match press conference.
“What I see with him is all the players we brought had to adapt to the Premier League because of intensity,” added the Liverpool head coach. “Some of them had to adapt to the Premier League and the Champions League.
"I see all of them making progress in that. Hugo had cramp today, but I can assure you he did twice as much at the beginning of the season when I had to take him off, and that is what this league brings as well.
“If you cannot be intense, it is so hard to win a game of football. The best athletes play in this league.”
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