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Ibrahima Konate has given an insight into Hugo Ekitike’s drive and passion, with the Liverpool defender also expressing his delight at the recent success of his new club and international teammate.
It has been a whirlwind six months for Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July and has faced increased media scrutiny, particularly following the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak on deadline day.
Of Liverpool’s two new strikers, it is Ekitike who has made an immediate impression at Anfield. The 23-year-old netted in his first three appearances for Liverpool and scored five in his first eight games for the Reds.
That has prompted recognition on the international stage, with Ektike featuring in the last five France matches.
He is expected to start in Sunday’s final World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan. As is Konate, who explained how he has tried to push his new teammate to reach new heights since his summer transfer.
“I challenged him when he arrived in Liverpool, where the intensity is different from the Bundesliga,” the defender said ahead of Les Bleus’ fixture in Baku.
“Everyone experienced that. He was a bit tired during training. One anecdote: one day we were supposed to go to the gym, but he didn't want to. I said to him, 'Do you want to go to the French national team?'
“I found him in the gym two minutes later. I think he turned a corner because of that.
“I was extremely happy for him [after his goal against Ukraine], added Konate. “He had some difficult times at PSG, he was criticized.”
Despite making his international debut in September, Ekitike has quickly established himself as a valued player for France head coach Didier Deschamps.
As referenced by Konate, Liverpool’s no.22 netted his first international goal on Thursday during a hugely impressive cameo appearance against Ukraine. Ekitike scored, hit the post, managed four shots and produced several penetrative dribbles down the left flank in his 23-minute showing at the Parc des Princes.
Deschamps also spoke ahead of the dead rubber against Azerbaijan was asked about Konate’s comments that Ekitike had “turned a corner”.
“He made a very, very good appearance [against Ukraine],” opined the World Cup-winning coach. “Just under 30 minutes. That's good. All the better.
“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.
“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.”
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