Barring Luis Suarez, Liverpool have not had a striker on their books as complete as Fernando Torres since he departed Anfield in favour of a move to Chelsea in 2011.
The Spaniard was arguably the best number nine in world football during his time at Liverpool and alongside Steven Gerrard, the Reds had a truly devastating duo on their hands.
While Fernando Torres’ career fizzled out after he departed Merseyside, in his prime, the World Cup winner was a truly special player.
Andy Robertson sided with Torres over Alan Shearer as the superior striker, which goes to show how tremendous a player he was.
Hugo Ekitike could be Liverpool’s next Fernando Torres
In the summer, Liverpool are in search of an elite striker like Fernando Torres and Hugo Ekitike is a name they have been linked with.
Liverpool are in talks to sign Ekitike, who has been one of the most in-form goalscorers in Europe this season.
Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
While the Frenchman has plenty to accomplish before he can be considered on Fernando Torres’ level, he looks like the closest thing to the former Atletico Madrid frontman in the game currently.
Much like Torres, what perhaps appeals to Liverpool about Ekitike, who Joe Hart called “dangerous” is that he is more than just a number nine; blessed with similarly quick feet, searing pace and the ability to hold up the ball expertly.
Arne Slot is a fan of Ekitike, whose profile is a rarity in today’s day and age as not many strikers are clinical goalscorers as well as being complete players.
However, the 22-year-old, much like Fernando Torres has a knack for finding the back of the net, which is what will matter the most to Liverpool, especially due to Darwin Nunez’s struggles in front of goal.
HUGO EKITIKE STATS THIS SEASON
STARTS 43
GOALS 22
ASSISTS 12
The fact that Ekitike has provided 12 assists shows how well-rounded a forward he is and while Torres himself rarely hit such numbers, he too would similarly drop deep or out wide to often play passes into the likes of Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt in his heyday.
Being lanky like Fernando Torres as well enables the French Under-21 international to dominate backlines, and if he manages to even become the half the player the former was, Arne Slot will be a happy man.
Ekitike stats compared to Fernando Torres before Liverpool move
Interestingly, Liverpool signed Torres when he was the same age as Ekitike currently.
At the time, the now-Atletico Madrid B coach was one of the best young players in the world.
However, when comparing their respective stats, Ekitike looks like a much more established prospect in comparison to former Liverpool number nine Fernando Torres.
STATS FERNANDO TORRES: 2006/2007 SEASON HUGO EKITIKE: 2024/2025 SEASON
STARTS 40 43
GOALS 15 22
ASSISTS 0 12
First things first, Ekitike has 34 goal contributions (22 goals and 12 assists) while Torres had just 15 at the time.
Secondly, even as a goalscorer, the Eintracht Frankfurt attacker has managed to outdo the Champions League winner.
Ekitike, who is valued at £84 million is much more of a proven commodity than Fernando Torres and Arne Slot will be hoping to similarly convert him into a world-class player if he signs for Liverpool.