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Hugo Ekitike is quickly making his mark at Liverpool, impressing fans and pundits alike as he continues to develop despite the immense pressure from Alexander Isak
Since arriving at Anfield, Ekitike has adapted rapidly to the demands of the Premier League. Ekitike extended Liverpool’s lead against Everton by calmly slotting the ball past Jordan Pickford after a clever through-ball from Ryan Gravenberch. The goal marked the former Eintracht Frankfurt striker’s third in five league appearances, alongside one assist.
Since Isak’s arrival, the 23-year-old has faced questions over his first-team opportunities given the significant investment in his striking teammate.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock was full of praise for the French striker. "Hugo Ekitike is just getting better and better" said Warnock on BBC Radio 5live following Ekitike's goal.
"When he gets on the ball, he is a danger and he has been so impressive in his short time at Liverpool. It's a really smart finish, quick touch and he passes it into the bottom corner. Jordan Pickford doesn't stand a chance of getting anywhere near it and Liverpool look very comfortable.”
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Rangers striker Ally McCoist added: “It is a great goal. The pass from Gravenberch, weighted it perfectly and the finish from Ekitike through the keeper's legs. It's a great, low finish. Another great Liverpool goal.”
The French international has also expressed his excitement to grow and improve alongside the 25-year-old and is looking forward to playing alongside the British-record signing.
On Isak, Ekitike said: "He's a very, very good player. "I always watched him before I came here. For me, him being here is good, I can learn, improve, and it's competition, but I know we're going to play together, make the difference.
"One day, I hope we can share a pitch. It's good [to play with him], it's the coach's problem [to pick the squad]. Me? I just do my job, so it's good."
Ekitike expressed his pride in playing a crucial role in the Merseyside derby victory, stating: "Very good feeling, we knew it was going to be a tough game. It was. We had to fight until the last minute, I feel proud, it was a good test for me.
"So yeah to score my goal and win at the end, you can be proud and happy for the team. We just have to keep going. We made good movement, I seen Ryan, had space in behind and took it. I was a bit lucky because it went through the goalkeepers legs but it was good."
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