Jamie Carragher clarifies Fernando Torres and Hugo Ekitike comparison after Liverpool verdict

The former Liverpool defender claimed last month that Ekitike is "a better player", but Carragher has provided a more detailed breakdown during a recent social media video

Jamie Carragher has given his view on who he would rather have in his team: Fernando Torres or Hugo Ekitike(Image: Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher has clarified his comments on Hugo Ekitke and Fernando Torres, having claimed last month that the former is a better “player” than his old team-mate.

Carragher gave that verdict after Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United at the end of January, when Ektike’s two-goal haul saw him earn comparisons to Torres. Steven Gerrard was among those who claimed he could see similarities between the pair, based on their movement and finishing.

It’s high praise indeed to be compared to a striker who netted 81 goals in 143 Liverpool appearances. But Carragher went even further, stating that Ekitike is the better player.

“I actually think Hugo Ekitike's a better player than Torres,” the ex-defender said on Sky Sports at the time. “I'm not sure he'd get as many goals as Torres did over a couple of years, but what Fernando Torres had, he had Steven Gerrard.

“I think Fernando Torres, sitting in Liverpool's shape, was made by Steven Gerrard. Now, I don't think Hugo Ekitike would rely as much on Florian Wirtz, but if that combination keeps going, then that's when you could maybe get the goals that Fernando Torres got.”

However, Carragher has walked back those comments and said in a recent social media clip that he would rather have Torres in his side.

Torres ranks among Liverpool's all-time greatest scorers(Image: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking in a Sky Bet video in which the ex-defender had to choose between current and former Reds, Carragher was asked to select between Ekitike and Torres, and opted for the Spaniard.

“I’ve got a bit of explaining to do on this one, actually,” said Carragher. “It’s Fernando Torres.

“A few weeks ago, I said Hugo Ekitike was a better player. The word I should have used was he’s a better footballer.

Ekitike has enjoyed a superb first season at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

“What I mean by that is, I think Hugo Ekitike could maybe play no.10, could maybe play wide. Fernando Torres was just a no.9.

“But I would rather have Fernando Torres in my team and I’m glad I can clarify that as well.”

Meanwhile, speaking after the Newcastle game, Gerrard said: “It is all about Hugo Ekitike running the channel. It is Torres-like.

“He gets out of his feet and that toe-poke. He reminds me of Torres every time I watch him.”