Florian Wirtz finally broke his goal duck in a Liverpool shirt last week when he helped his side to their third consecutive Premier League win.
The Reds have endured a rough ride so far this season but finally look to be out of a disastrous run of form. The reigning champions of England were dealt six defeats during a seven-match period between September and November but are now unbeaten in six games, and will head into the new year sitting fourth in the table.
Wirtz waited 23 games in all competitions to find the back of the net for his new club, and it came at a crucial time. With Alexander Isak expected to be out injured for at least a couple of months, the pressure is on Arne Slot’s attack to keep up this current form.
However, while Wirtz’s goal was certainly a moment to celebrate, another key moment has given Liverpool fans a lot to get excited about as we head into the second half of the season.
Hugo Ekitike continues to impress at Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike has arguably been Liverpool’s signing of the season. Despite being pitted against Isak by the media and rival fans from the off, the France international has played his own game and delivered when relied on.
Ekitike immediately made his mark on his new side when he scored in the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace. He then took his shooting boots straight over to the Premier League, where he scored the first goal of the season. He kickstarted his account at the earliest possible opportunity by netting the opener against Bournemouth.
After Isak was finally deemed fit to start for Liverpool, Ekitike was demoted to the bench. But like Wirtz, the Swede has struggled to shift into the gears the world has become accustomed to. With Ekitike back in the starting line-up, he has tallied six goal-scoring contributions in his last four league games — back-to-back braces, a deciding goal, and most recently, a delightful assist.
The 23-year-old provided Wirtz with the passage of play to mark his first goal in red against Wolves. After collecting the ball on the halfway line, Ekitike drove it up the pitch, cleverly beat his man and cut inside to provide the perfect pass for Wirtz to poke home the goal.
Hugo Ekitike drawing comparisons with Anfield greats
While Ekitike is shaping up to be the typical target man striker Liverpool have been calling for, his creative support play is another thing to get excited about.
Fans have already drawn similarities between the Frenchman and Liverpool icon Fernando Torres, but others see more of a Roberto Firmino-style player in him. His assist for Wirtz certainly showed flashes of the Bobby Dazzler fans adored.
Firmino commanded the ‘False Nine’ role during his time at Liverpool and fit Jurgen Klopp’s style of play at the time beautifully. His selflessness allowed Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané to chase the goals, knowing the Brazilian’s creative eye would provide them with opportunities, but he could also put the chances away himself.
Ekitike has already earned praise from Firmino too. Back in November, the Brazilian was asked about Liverpool’s new forwards and he had compliments to pay to Ekitike.
“They’ve already proved that they’re top-class players,” he said (via liverpool.com). “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.”
Liverpool fans will hope these impressive performances can only continue. If they do, Ekitike will rapidly become one of Slot’s most important players, which will surely only add to the headache once Isak returns from injury. The fact he opted for Anfield will also sit smugly in the minds of many supporters, knowing he was previously linked with Newcastle United, who failed to sign him over the summer.