Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was on the scoresheet in France's comfortable World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine on Thursday
Hugo Ekitike of France celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match against Ukraine
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was on the scoresheet in France's World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine
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Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike sent a clear message to his manager and team-mates with an impressive cameo for France on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old was one of two forward additions at Liverpool over the summer alongside former Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak. Ekitike, though, has arguably played a more prominent role in Arne Slot's squad so far, owing to Isak's late arrival and persistent fitness concerns.
That said, much of the discourse around Liverpool's summer business questioned the need for two high-profile striker additions. While the pair have already featured for the Reds on occasion in a front two, Ekitike has once again showcased his versatility and ability to play off the left.
He is currently away on international duty with his national side, having received his first senior call-up back in August. In their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Thursday evening, he came on in the 67th minute in place of Bradley Barcola on the left wing.
In his 23 minutes on the pitch, Ekitike finally scored his first senior goal for France - and it was quite spectacular. The Liverpool man picked up the ball deep in his own half before storming almost the entire length of the pitch, skipping past defenders in the process, then playing a neat one-two with Kylian Mbappe and slotting it through the legs of Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
He also hit the woodwork and was unlucky not to double his tally before the full-time whistle. Ekitike’s strike was France’s fourth goal in a comfortable win that keeps them top of Group D in World Cup qualifying with five games played.
Only the top team in each group automatically qualifies, with second place going into a play-off. France sit on 13 points, with Iceland and Ukraine on seven and bottom-placed Azerbaijan on one.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between against Manchester United in October
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike showcased his versatility while on international duty with France
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With qualification for next summer’s World Cup now secure for France, Ekitike will hope to play from the start when they take on Azerbaijan in their final match this weekend. The striker will also hope to carry his goalscoring form into his Liverpool performances as the Reds gear up for a crucial run of games after the international break.
Despite the investment over the summer, Slot’s side have endured a challenging start to the campaign, with their recent 3-0 loss away at Manchester City compounding their issues. After the break, they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield before welcoming Dutch side PSV in the Champions League a few days later.
With Isak also back fit and in the Sweden squad for their qualifiers, Ekitike’s versatility could be key if the manager wants to get both players into his starting line-ups.