Liverpool duo Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate were on international duty over the weekend but have faced criticism from the French media for their performances against Azerbaijan
France's forward #09 Hugo Ekitike in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Azerbaijan and France at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on November 16, 2025.
Hugo Ekitike's recent performance for France was criticised by the press
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Liverpool stars Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate both played the full 90 minutes in France's final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday night. Having already secured their spot at next summer's tournament with a 4-0 win over Ukraine earlier in the week, the match in Baku gave manager Didier Deschamps the chance to make plenty of changes and try out a new-look XI.
Ekitike, who netted a stunning solo goal in the previous match, began on the left, with Jean-Philippe Mateta taking the central striker role, before switching back to his usual position late on after the Crystal Palace forward was subbed off for Bradley Barcola.
What was expected to be an easy win for Les Bleus took an unexpected twist early doors as Azerbaijan went ahead in the fourth minute, capitalising on some poor defending. After weathering a 16-minute onslaught in Baku, France levelled the scoreline courtesy of a Mateta header, before Maghnes Akliouche put them ahead on his France debut.
An own goal extended France's lead to 3-1 as the 2022 World Cup finalists navigated a quiet second half and wrapped up their final game of the year with a victory, comfortably topping their group after six matches.
And with Konate wearing the captain's armband for France in Kylian Mbappe's absence, we now turn our attention to how the Reds duo fared on the night.
Le Parisien dished out a brutal 4/10 rating to Ekitike. They wrote: “Three days after his sensational debut against Ukraine, the Liverpool striker was far less convincing. On the left wing, he struggled to get into shooting positions and didn't connect well with his strike partner, Mateta. His tireless work rate, however, will be remembered.”
Konate fared only marginally better in their assessment, earning a 5/10: “After a difficult start to the match, the captain for the day regained control after France's equaliser. He then imposed his athletic presence, using his height to his advantage in aerial duels.”
Xeyal Aliyev of Azerbaijan in action against Ibrahima Konate of France during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers match between Azerbaijan and France on November 16, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Ibrahima Konate captained France to a victory(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Ekitike saw his effort blocked in the 33rd minute and squandered an opportunity in the 71st, where he failed to capitalise after being picked out with a low cross. Le Figaro branded the £79million summer signing as having an “off night”.
Le Monde agreed, suggesting Mateta and Ekitike got in each other’s way. Ekitike was also responsible for Khephren Thuram’s first-half goal being chalked off following a brief VAR check, having touched the ball with his hand in the build up.
Azerbaijan's defender #14 Elvin Badalov, France's forward #09 Hugo Ekitike and France's forward #19 Jean-Philippe Mateta vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Azerbaijan and France at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on November 16, 2025.
Ekitike and Mateta got in each other's way(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Yahoo Sport’s French football coverage was more generous in its evaluation of Konate's display, handing him a 7/10 while noting: “Despite not having a particularly good season for Liverpool, the big defender looked calm and assured at the back.”
That generosity didn’t extend to the Liverpool frontman, however, as they added: “Hugo Ekitike 5/10. The Liverpool forward has been excellent so far for his new team but he seemed all at sea at times. Seems to be better when leading the line.”
Eurosport France acknowledged the striker's impressive performance against Ukraine but highlighted his less than stellar showing in Baku, giving him a 4/10 rating. They wrote: “He brought a vibrant energy and burning desire to the Parc des Princes on Thursday. This Sunday, he lacked precision and sometimes quickness.
Azerbaijan's Elvin Badalov, left, tries to stop France's Hugo Ekitike ads they challenge for the ball during the 2026 World Cup group D qualifying soccer match between Azerbaijan and France, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
The Reds striker had an "off night"
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“Significantly less effective, he squandered several opportunities, such as his completely botched shot when he was unmarked at the penalty spot (64th minute). Ultimately, he was most effective as a target man. But against such a weak opponent, the former Parisian needs to do better. In short... Dormant.”
Konate received a 5/10 rating from the outlet: "His first fifteen minutes didn't help Les Bleus. Between misplaced passes and a lost duel on Azerbaijan's second chance (7th minute), he looked very nervous. But a powerful, energetic challenge sparked his game (13th minute). He was impenetrable thereafter. In short... A minor alert, nothing more.”
Le Quotidien du Sport joined the chorus of criticism by also awarding Ekitike a match rating of 5/10, stating: “The Liverpool player moved around a lot, he did some good things, but wasn't successful. Neither in front of goal nor with his final pass.”
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