Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Liverpool but could get overlooked again by France - which could see him consider an international change
Hugo Ekitike has been prolific to start the season at Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike has been prolific to start the season at Liverpool
(Image: PA)
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike is set to get snubbed by France once again despite his impressive start to the season - leaving the striker to weigh up a change of allegiance with Cameroon still a possibility.
Ekitike moved to Anfield for a deal which could rise to £79million in the summer and has been quick to deliver on that investment. He's scored twice in as many Premier League games and was also on target in the Community Shield.
However that doesn't look like it'll be enough to convince Didier Deschamps to bring him into the fold with Les Blues as the 2018 World Cup winners prepare for this summer's tournament. They play Ukraine a week on Friday before hosting Iceland four days later.
Deschamps will reveal his squad on Wednesday but Le Figaro claim that the French boss still believes it is 'too soon' for Ekitike to receive the call-up despite him playing impressively for well over a season across his time at Frankfurt and Liverpool.
As a result Ekitike could reconsider playing for Cameroon, despite previously targeting a spot in the French squad. The striker is eligible to play for both and may now turn his attention to the African nation as he looks to gain international recognition.
Cameroon's best ever World Cup effort was in 1990 when they made the quarter-finals, losing to England. They've been one of the most consistent African sides and currently sit second in their qualification group behind Cape Varde. They have played in six of the last eight World Cups.
France will be among the favourites for land the tournament when the eyes of the game descend on North America. Les Blues have a wealth of attacking talent with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and PSG star Ousmane Dembele both stalwarts in the frontline.
France are spoilt for attacking options
France are spoilt for attacking options(Image: GETTY)
Ekitike's issue is the amount of competition behind them and its understood that Deschamps is looking more favourably at Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG youngster Desire Doue, who has enjoyed a rapid rise.
The fast-starting Ekitike could yet see his role at Liverpool change, which could impact on his goalscoring exploits. The 23-year-old has come in and led the line for the Reds, but they continue to pursue Alexander Isak and Ekitike has admitted he can play from the wings, which may be the case.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.