Liverpool have got themselves their Roberto Firmino 2.0
Hugo Ekitike and Alexis Mac Allister celebrating the match winner vs Real Madrid
(Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League was defined by disciplined defence and a single, clinical strike from Alexis Mac Allister.
Yet, beneath the surface of the scoreline, the tactical performance ofsummer signing Hugo Ekitike offered a profound revelation: the 23-year-old Frenchman has finally resolved the club’s most enduring post-Jürgen Klopp dilemma, the replacement for Roberto Firmino.
While his own goal tally remained blank on the night, Ekitike’s work as a dynamic, unselfish pivot proved the key ingredient in unlocking the European champions.
It was a performance that recalled the subtle, intelligent artistry of Liverpool’s former Brazilian No. 9, confirming Ekitike’s destiny as the new Firmino at Anfield.
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The true measure of a false nine
The essential Firmino role was never defined by sheer volume of goals, but by selfless movement, pressing intensity and brilliant skillset.
The centre-forward acted as the ultimate connector, dropping deep into midfield to create overloads, drifting wide to combine with wingers, and, most crucially, initiating the high press that was the engine of Liverpool’s glory years.
Against Real Madrid, Ekitike embodied this doctrine. Tasked with leading the line against the experienced Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, Ekitike’s performance was rated highly by analysts, not for his shots, but for his off-ball contribution.
He was widely praised for having thrived in open spaces, linked play well, [and] led the press over his 79 minutes on the pitch.
Hugo Ekitike’s heatmap vs Real Madrid
His heatmap vs Real Madrid showed heavy involvement in deeper areas, mirroring Firmino’s roaming style and underlining why Arne Slot values his versatility so highly.
He didn’t just occupy defenders; he disoriented them. By constantly dragging one centre-back toward the midfield and forcing the other to monitor the space he vacated, Ekitike ensured that Liverpool’s other explosive assets, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, had the required freedom to operate in the half-spaces.
This is the very definition of the false nine’s objective: to make the attack, not the striker, the main threat.
Liverpool were able to go long to the Frenchman, trusting his ability to retain possession & combine with his teammates.
The analytical echoes of Firmino
The tactical parallels witnessed against Madrid are supported by Ekitike’s underlying metrics, which have consistently pointed toward a Firmino-esque profile rather than a traditional poacher.
Ekitike consistently ranks in the top percentiles among strikers for key passes, passes into the penalty area, and expected assists (xA).
Hugo Ekitike’s heatmap in the Champions League this season
In his previous Bundesliga season, his ability to create chances, through balls, and progressive carries surpassed many elite peers, mirroring Firmino’s strength as a distributor.
At 6ft 3in, Ekitike possesses a significant aerial advantage Firmino lacked, but critically, he combines this height with excellent close control and dribbling skills.
His high volume of take-ons attempted and successful carries into the final third suggest a player who not only links play but can relieve pressure and drive transitions forward, a dynamic, modern evolution of the classic False Nine role.
The Real Madrid performance was the clearest indication yet that Ekitike possesses the footballing intelligence to be that fluid, central attacking cog.
He is a player who trades personal glory for collective success, providing the glue that binds the attack, midfield, and high press together.
Roberto Firmino backs Hugo Ekitike to be a success at Liverpool
Indeed, even Roberto Firmino himself has publicly praised Ekitike, acknowledging his strong start and desire to become a “historic player” for the club.
He said:
“They’ve already proved that they’re top-class players. I didn’t know Ekitike before he joined Frankfurt.
“He’s already shown his potential with goals and performances and seems to have a lot of desire to become a historic player for the club.
“I wish them both the best. It’s only the beginning of their time at Liverpool.
“Yes, of course (I still follow Liverpool). They had a good start to the season, now they’ve suffered a drop in performance.
“But I’m sure they’ll soon be back with everything they’ve got to compete for all the trophies.”
With the tactical plan now proven against a genuinely world-class opponent, Liverpool can finally look forward, confident that the search for the connective heartbeat of their attack is finally complete.