Image Credits: Imago Images
Hugo Ekitike’s remarkable debut season at Anfield continues to generate headlines, with the French forward establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking threats. Since his £69 million arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, the 23-year-old has hit the ground running in spectacular fashion, accumulating 15 goals and four assists across 32 appearances in all competitions.
Ekitike has notched 10 Premier League goals from just 21 appearances, while adding two Champions League strikes and goals in the Community Shield, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. His versatility and clinical finishing have made him an indispensable component of Arne Slot’ side, with the Dutchman regularly deploying the towering forward as his central striker option.
Most impressively, Ekitike’s goal against Barnsley in Liverpool’s 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory in January saw him etch his name into Anfield folklore by becoming only the second player in the club’s 134-year history to score in five different competitions during his debut season. The only other player to achieve this remarkable feat? Sir Kenny Dalglish in his legendary 1977-78 campaign.
So effective has the Frenchman been that many have questioned why Alexander Isak was purchased in the first place. One of those who has echoed those sentiments is Jamie Carragher, who is a big fan of Ekitike.
Infact, so much so that Carragher has now come out to claim that the Ekitike is already a better all-round footballer than Fernando Torres when he was at Anfield:
“I think Ekitiké is a better player than Torres,” said the ex-Liverpool defender on Sky Sports. “He may not get as many goals, but Torres was made by [Steven] Gerrard at Liverpool. Ekitike wont rely on [Florian] Wirtz as much, but, if the combination keeps going, he could get the goals Torres got.”
The comparison has ignited debate among Liverpool’s fanbase, with many not agreeing with Carragher’s assessment.
What’s undeniable is that Ekitike has made a blistering start to life at Liverpool, with his record-equalling achievement alongside Dalglish serving as tangible proof of his impact across multiple fronts. Whether he ultimately surpasses Torres’s legacy at Anfield remains to be seen, but if his debut campaign is any indication, the young Frenchman is determined to carve out his own chapter in Liverpool’s rich history.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.