Hugo Ekitike was among the goal scorers when Liverpool beat Qarabag in the Champions League this week.
As well as the extra Champions League prize money, the Reds have secured themselves a place in the last-16 of the competition automatically.
Liverpool can face four teams in the next stage of the tournament, with Hugo Ekitike already playing a vital role in their success this season.
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So many good displays vs Qarabag
Liverpool FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Fans praised Ekitike and Florian Wirtz for their newfound connection at Anfield this season, as both summer signings continue to provide goals and assists.
Now, the Frenchman has also come in for praise from Joe Cole.
Why Joe Cole is excited by Hugo Ekitike
Cole covered the Qarabag fixture during TNT Sports’ live coverage of the game on Wednesday evening.
The Liverpool striker became a topic of conversation, and the ex-Red has shared what he learned after previously interviewing him.
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He said: “It’s really powerful. It’s been a breath of fresh air, hasn’t he? He really has.
“I remember we did a game with him, and he played fantastically well. We spoke to him afterwards and he was disappointed in his performance. And I don’t mind that with young players. He’s clearly got some drive.”
Of all the summer additions at Liverpool this season, none have been quite as consistent as the former Eintracht Frankfurt man.
Wayne Rooney rates Ekitike, and on paper, he is probably one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet.
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Wataru Endo pictured while playing for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse).
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their FA Cup match against Barnsley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Photo Agency/Liverpool FC
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Hugo Ekitike set to give Liverpool a problem
However, while it is great to see Ekitike thriving, his excellent form may cause Slot an issue in the coming months.
Alexander Isak is currently injured and expected to be out of action until March.
The Swede has hardly featured for Liverpool this season due to fitness and form, but when he has, the manager has struggled to fit both strikers into the same team.
Isak has been used slightly off the left, but that doesn’t really get the best out of him, while it also means Florian Wirtz is moved position.
It will be interesting to see how Slot tries to find the right balance once the centre-forward returns later this year, but just based on the small sample size, trying to start both number nines could hamper Liverpool.
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