Hugo Ekitike has made a blistering start to life at Liverpool following his big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, with Robbie Keane's assessment of the striker looking spot on
Hugo Ekitike dribbles the ball
Hugo Ekitike has taken to life at Liverpool like a duck to water(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Robbie Keane's dressing room assessment of Hugo Ekitike has proven to be spot on as the Liverpool striker has made a blistering start in the Premier League. The 23-year-old joined the Reds in a deal potentially worth up to £79million from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.
And he has quickly found his stride under the guidance of Arne Slot. The Frenchman netted his first goal for his new club within four minutes of Liverpool's Community Shield match against Crystal Palace last week, despite the Reds ultimately losing out on the trophy following a penalty shootout defeat.
He found the back of the net once again during the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday, calmly guiding the ball past Djordje Petrovic to open the scoring in what turned out to be a thrilling late 4-2 victory. It seems former Reds and Tottenham Hotspur striker Keane was spot on in his evaluation of Ekitike earlier this year.
Since January, Keane's been at the helm of Ferencvaros, and one of his initial matches in charge of the Hungarian team saw him face off against Frankfurt in the Europa League. After being left in awe by a 2-0 defeat to the Bundesliga giants, he was quick to commend the skill of Ekitike in particular.
Speaking to Betway Insider, Keane said: "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.
"After the game I said to the guys, 'He will be the next big thing who will go to England.' 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.
Robbie Keane speaks to the media
Robbie Keane was quick to praise Hugo Ekitike(Image: AP)
"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."
It comes amidst speculation about where Ekitike will be primarily utilised this season, given Liverpool's significant interest in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. Despite Newcastle swiftly rejecting Liverpool's initial offer of £110m, the Reds might return with an enhanced proposal before the deadline day.
With Isak reportedly adamant that he won't play for Newcastle again as he explores his options, the Magpies might need to be flexible on their firm £150m valuation of the 25-year-old. However, even if Liverpool decide against striking a deal before 1 September, it's clear they're in a strong position with their current frontline.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates
The Frenchman is off to a flying start in the Premier League
Ekitike seems to be an excellent first-choice No. 9, but competition will be needed throughout a lengthy season. Currently, Liverpool appear to be focusing on bolstering their defence, welcoming Giovanni Leoni in a £26m deal from Parma and reportedly approaching Palace captain Marc Guehi.
And with Ekitike already impressing on Merseyside, the club might choose to avoid resuming talks with Newcastle for a discontented Isak. Eddie Howe's team start their campaign without him at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Tensions are also set to reach a peak between Liverpool and the Magpies when the Reds head to St James' Park a week on Monday for their second Premier League match of the season.