Liverpool eased to victory over Marseille to boost its hopes of qualifying for the Champions League's last-16, with one player in particular catching Samir Nasri's eye
James Findlater Content Editor
10:01, 23 Jan 2026
Liverpool's players impressed in their 3-0 win over Marseille
Liverpool's players impressed in their 3-0 win over Marseille(Image: Getty Images)
Samir Nasri has hailed Hugo Ekitike following the striker’s performance in Liverpool’s win over Marseille on Wednesday.
The French international had something of a frustrating night in front of goal, having had a goal ruled out for offside during the first half before striking the woodwork after the break.
Nevertheless, Ekitike impressed once again as Liverpool moved a step closer to reaching the Champions League’s last-16 with a 3-0 victory. His all-round performance was hailed upon his return to his homeland, with former Marseille and Manchester City star Nasri among those singing his praises as he spoke on French TV channel Canal+.
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“What is really impressive is that even though he's a striker and stats are extremely important, we still highlight the match he had even though he didn’t score or provide an assist,” Nasri said.
“But the visual impression: he's dangerous every time he touches the ball, he creates the gap against his direct opponent every single time, and he manages to link up with all the Liverpool players.”
Ekitike has been Liverpool’s standout signing so far following last summer’s huge transfer spree. The 23-year-old has 12 goals for the Reds this season, and has given Arne Slot plenty to think about after breaking the Premier League transfer record for Alexander Isak.
Hugo Ekitike impressed again in Liverpool's win over Marseille
Hugo Ekitike impressed again in Liverpool's win over Marseille(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Swedish international is currently out injured after breaking his leg last month, but Ekitike has already ensured he won’t be assured of a place back in the side upon his return.
Liverpool will now be aiming to carry its European form back into the Premier League, with the win in Marseille providing a welcome distraction amid the Reds’ ongoing domestic struggles.
Slot’s side has drawn each of its last four league games, including last weekend’s disappointing encounter with relegation-threatened Burnley, but the performance in France will give the Liverpool boss plenty of encouragement ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth.
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“If [Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi] wanted to put Liverpool in difficulty, he would have had to create some disorder and change his way of playing,” Nasri added.
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“Liverpool's team had a compact block and defended very well. Marseille has no regrets to have because Liverpool was largely superior.”
Liverpool.com says: Nasri sums up what has been so good about Ekitike so far. Even on a night when things didn’t quite work out for him in front of goal, he still managed to make himself a nuisance for the opposition and create chances for his teammates.
Keep that up, and Slot will have no choice but to leave him in his side, even when Isak is back from injury.