Hugo Ekitike has proven to be one of the signings of the summer across the entire Premier League.
The Reds got a comprehensive win over Brighton on Saturday, with a key reason for this being due to how clinical Ekitike was.
The Frenchman grabbed a brace, adding to his already-impressive start that he has made to his Anfield career and showing exactly why he was brought into the club.
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Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s impressive 2-0 win over Brighton?
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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He really has made an impact since joining, with it being really worrying to think about where Liverpool would be without him and his goals.
In fact, he has made such an impression that Tony Cascarino has made comparisons with club legend Ian Rush, with there being one trait in particular that reminds him of the Welshman.
Hugo Ekitike has Ian Rush’s work-rate
Rush is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, with his goals leaving behind a legacy that will always be remembered.
When new strikers arrive, these are the types of stars they are hoping to replicate, and so far, Cascarino reckons that Ekitike has done a good job.
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He even thinks that he has shades of Rush about him, with his work-rate in particular the trait that makes them comparable.
“He’s just a very dangerous striker. He’s lean, really sharp, good technically and has an amazing work rate,” he told talkSPORT.
“I’ve always said the benchmark for work-rate and closing down defenders was always Ian Rush.
“Many other managers of my era would say ‘look how hard Ian Rush works’ and Ekitike has got that in him.
“Is he at the level of Rush? I don’t think I’ve sensed any forward to do what Ian Rush did with his work-rate, but Ekitike is a massive plus.”
Full-time, Liverpool take the points! What stood out for your about today’s win?
Liverpool full-time graphic vs Brighton
Three massive points!
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Hugo Ekitike has earned the right to be Liverpool’s number one
When Alexander Isak arrived, it looked to be a foregone conclusion that he would be first-choice and Ekitike would either be an option off the bench or on the left.
But now, Ekitike has done all the right things to earn himself the title of ‘top dog’, and no one can argue that he does not deserve to lead the line.
Not only has he got the goals to show for it, but his work-rate is what everyone loves to see, with this highlighting just how much he cares for the team.
As for Isak, he still looks lethargic and can barely get into the games, with the Swede perhaps very worried about his future given how well Ekitike has started.
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