Hugo Ekitike has won Liverpool fans over in a big way since his summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Having scored 11 goals – many of which have been brilliantly clinical – it is easy to understand why supporters love their new No. 22.
While that is all well and good, Ekitike has also shown another side to his game which is far less appealing.
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Arne Slot watches on during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Anfield.
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As displayed once again during the woeful New Year’s Day draw against Leeds, the Frenchman is going badly missing during second-halves of matches.
Eight of Ekitike’s 11 Liverpool goals have been scored before the 50th minute. When named in the starting XI, he has never found the net beyond the 66th minute. He simply has to be doing more in the later part of games.
Hugo Ekitike is fading unacceptably during second-halves
It should be pointed out that Ekitike is not the only Liverpool player who becomes far less involved the longer games go on.
Florian Wirtz is another notable star whose effectiveness wanes alarmingly into second periods.
Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
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But with Alexander Isak now injured, Ekitike is Liverpool’s biggest goal threat. To have him being effectively invisible for a third of every match is not good enough.
During his first months in the Premier League, a lack of being ready for the physical demands of the division were understandable. But after half a season Ekitike really should be able to perform for 90 minutes.
So far, the 23-year-old has started and finished only three of his 26 appearances for Liverpool. That gives a window into his current fitness level and it is not acceptable. Obviously, it is far easier to focus on the positives, and it is true that Ekitike has been a very good signing so far, but this is something that cannot be overlooked any longer.
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Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
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Hopefully more fitness simply comes with practice for Ekitike, but in games like Thursday’s where Liverpool are desperate for a goal, it is imperative they can rely on their top scorer to be alive, alert and sharp. Right now, that is not the case.
Ekitike cannot get away with it for much longer
While he’s scoring goals and providing moments of brilliance during matches, Liverpool supporters likely will not even realise how ineffective Ekitike is becoming.
Should he continue to underwhelm in critical periods of matches, though, fans will quickly start to cotton on. For Ekitike, his main focus should be on ensuring that does not happen.
Time in match (minutes) Number of goals scored
0-15 2
16-30 1
31-45 2
46-60 4
61-75 1
76-90 1
It is not completely his fault that he hasn’t scored much late on for Liverpool. Often his teammates are failing to get him involved as much as they could. However, his pattern of scoring early is not simply a coincidence, it has happened too many times already.
A lack of involvement appears to stem from tiredness and fatigue in the legs. If he can change this, Ekitike could become one of the most effective strikers in Liverpool history.
For the moment, though, while this may be an unpopular opinion, it is a clear problem which player and coaching staff need to ensure gets addressed. Ekitike can be a world beater, but he is not there yet.
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