Hugo Ekitike is showing the promise that inspired Liverpool to splash out on him, evidencing how one legend of the game was bang on with his verdict of one of their marquee summer signings
Hugo Ekitike celebrates
Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running for Liverpool
(Image: PA)
Robbie Keane's 12-word dressing room verdict on Hugo Ekitike has been proven as spot on with the Liverpool striker off to a flying start in the Premier League. The 23-year-old joined the Reds in a move worth up to £79million from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.
And it hasn't taken him long to hit the ground running under Arne Slot's stewardship. The Frenchman scored his first goal for his new club within four minutes of Liverpool's Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace last week, despite the Reds ultimately missing out on the trophy after a penalty shootout defeat.
And he struck gold once again during the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday, coolly slotting the ball past Djordje Petrovic to open the scoring in what ended up being a dramatic late 4-2 victory. It would appear former Reds and Tottenham Hotspur striker Keane was bang on in his summation of Ekitike earlier this year.
He's been working as the head coach of Ferencvaros since January, and one of his first games in charge of the Hungarian side saw him come up against Frankfurt in the Europa League. After being dazzled in a 2-0 loss to the Bundesliga titans, Keane was quick to praise the prowess of Ekitike in particular.
He told Betway Insider: "Plenty of teams look to have improved over the summer, but I think you have to say that Liverpool have had the most impressive transfer window. The players they’ve signed are brilliant. Florian Wirtz is a really clever No. 10, and my team played against Hugo Ekitike last year when he was at Frankfurt."
He added that he told the team after the game: "He will be the next big thing who will go to England," before continuing: "He was just unplayable at times. Whether he plays as Liverpool’s No. 9, I’m not sure, as he can also fill in on the left now that Luis Diaz has gone to Bayern.
"If Liverpool do sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle then Ekitike will definitely play on the left more. He can do both, though. He’s a very good player, quick, and technically very, very good."
Robbie Keane speaks to the media
Robbie Keane was quick to praise Hugo Ekitike(Image: AP)
It comes as questions have arisen with regards to where Ekitike will be more frequently deployed this season, given Liverpool have also shown a major interest in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. While the Magpies were quick to knock back Liverpool's opening bid of £110m plus add-ons, the Reds could come back to the table ahead of deadline day with an improved offer.
With reports suggesting Isak is determined that he will never play for Newcastle again as he hopes to explore his options, the Magpies may also need to allow for a little wiggle room on their firm £150m valuation of the 25-year-old. However, even if Liverpool opt out of striking a deal ahead of September 1, it's clear they are in good stead with their leading line at present.
Ekitike appears to be a more than ample first-choice No. 9, although competition will be required throughout a long season. At present, Liverpool are seemingly prioritising strengthening the heart of their defence, welcoming Giovanni Leoni in a £26m deal from Parma and reportedly making an approach for Palace captain Marc Guehi.
And with Ekitike already shining bright on Merseyside, the club may opt to avoid re-entering talks with Newcastle for an unsettled Isak. Eddie Howe's side get their campaign underway without him at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Tensions will also be at an all-time high between Liverpool and the Magpies when the Reds travel to St James' Park a week on Monday for their second Premier League fixture of the season.
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