Hugo Ekitike names surprise Man of the Match after brilliant Liverpool win against Newcastle

Hugo Ekitike took his tally for the season to 15 goals by netting a brace against Newcastle United, after signing for Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer

Hugo Ekitike scored a brace for Liverpool against Newcastle United.(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike named a surprise Man of the Match following the Reds' 4-1 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League — who helped play a part in his second goal.

After Anthony Gordon had given Newcastle an early lead, Ekitike netted twice in three minutes for Liverpool. Florian Wirtz and then Ibrahima Konate capped off a brilliant night for Arne Slot's side, who opened up a six-point gap over the Magpies in the race for the Champions League spots.

"Shout out to the ball boy," Ekitike said. "He is the man of the match. We need this kind of action (getting the ball back quickly).

"We play with the fans and we play with everybody, the ball boys included.

"I want to score loads of goals and I want to be the top scorer of the club but I just want to be involved the team I just like football, if I give an assist I don't mind.

"Even though it wasn't the best opponent (Qarabag) we have had, because I would say it was a big win and easy win, I think it is nice to give the confidence to the players."

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates with Florian Wirtz after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31 2026(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

Ekitike also spoke with fondness about Wirtz, with the $157 million (£116 million) signing from Bayer Leverkusen really starting to click into gear over the last few weeks.

"He is a great player and it is easy for me to play with him," Ekitike added. "I like to create play and link up. I can do everything with him as a player.

"I know that I can create space, and he will find me, so it is just fun to play with him."

Wirtz feels the same way about Ekitike too, with the pair linking up nicely at Anfield. TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole labeled them a "frightening" duo.

"I think everyone saw again what quality he has and what a great player he is," the German told BBC Match of the Day. "He is so fast and has a great finish — what a joy it is to play with him.

"I just enjoy the goals as long as I can help the team win games, I am happy. When you celebrate your own goal, it is always the best. I am just happy to play here in front of the fans."

Liverpool.com says: Ekitike has been really good for the Reds so far, but at 23, there is so much more to come from him. He's up to 15 goals now this season, which is a very impressive tally in his debut campaign.