Including his goal in the FA Community Shield, Hugo Ekitike has now scored three times in three games for Liverpool.
Prior to the Frenchman joining Liverpool, Newcastle United wanted Hugo Ekitike, a striker Eddie Howe’s side were interested in even before he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
But to Newcastle’s despair, Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool this summer, and he’s made an incredibly fast start under Arne Slot.
Watching the 23-year-old’s performances in isolation, it’s almost difficult to understand why Liverpool want to spend so much money on Alexander Isak.
And in the ‘Alexander Isak Derby’ on Monday night, Ekitike chose an opportune time to score again, a striker who deserves to be starting week in, week out.
Thierry Henry thinks there’s more to come from Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool
That being said, in a chat with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, Thierry Henry gave his early thoughts on Ekitike at Liverpool.
Henry knows Ekitike very well from watching him in Ligue 1, and the duo also worked together for France U21s.
And after hailing Ekitike’s goal against Newcastle as ‘outstanding’, Henry lifted the lid on how his compatriot likes to finish.
Henry said: “Ekitike, make no mistake, the way he did finish that is outstanding.
“Look, at Rennes, he was outstanding. I mentioned it already when he went to Paris Saint-Germain, maybe, not maybe, you know, when you have to play in front of Neymar, Messi and Mbappe, you’re obviously going to be on the bench, unfortunately for him.
“But that’s a hell of a finish, and that’s three games, three goals.”
Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League
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Carragher then replied: “I mean, you know better than us, Thierry, but two out of his three goals now, certainly the one in the Community Shield and that one, the finish is outstanding, but they’re like passes.
“It’s not like he’s just hit the ball, it’s like he’s picked that spot out.
“He did the same in the Community Shield, I mean, is this a feature of his game? Is this what we’ve got to get used to watching him?”
Henry: “Yes, and also what I like about it is, you know, sometimes when there was a ricochet just before you shoot, you know, the one also he scored at Anfield, he kept his composure.
“Although there was luck in the build-up, he kept his composure, aimed, and I finish. This is how he does finish, and hopefully for you, he can do more than that.”
Alexander Isak’s arrival would be a problem for Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool
As mentioned, Liverpool want to sign Isak from Newcastle, and Slot’s side did make a bid earlier this month.
Since then, Isak has made it very clear that he wants to depart St James’ Park in a public statement.
And whilst Newcastle weren’t happy with Isak’s words, the Sweden international might still get his wish before deadline day.
Unfortunately for Ekitike, who’s enjoying a run of starts as the club’s main number nine, it still seems most likely that Isak would head to Anfield.
And once the former Real Sociedad striker is up to full speed, he’ll invariably take Ekitike’s starting role.
Ekitike might still start in cup competitions or even start out wide on the left at times alongside Isak, but it’ll clearly be a step back for the 23-year-old.
And perhaps Ekitike will hope that Liverpool end up seeking the services of another young and upcoming number nine, someone he can remain ahead of.