Hugo Ekitike has caused a little bit of a stir after admitting that he is ‘not too happy’ with his current goals return for Liverpool.
The Frenchman has found the net 16 times in 37 appearances for the Reds since his summer switch from Eintracht Frankfurt, but clearly thinks he should have had more.
Ekitike conceded his frustration after scoring against West Ham United on Saturday, and his admission has already garnered a reaction from former Liverpool goalkeeper David James.
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Liverpool coach Aaron Briggs pictured during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
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Speaking to The Official Liverpool FC Podcast, James warned Ekitike against becoming too frustrated with the chances he is missing, and instead try to enjoy the good moment he is currently in.
Ekitike told to roll with the punches at Liverpool
By any measure, Ekitike has had a good start to life at Liverpool, but part of what has made him such a hit with supporters is his personality.
Unapologetically himself, the 23-year-old is always good value, and as James spotted on Saturday, that can sometimes spill over into frustration on the pitch.
“Watching him today, there were times when he was making the runs and not getting the pass. I’m not saying he was frustrated, but you could tell that he was wanting the pass and didn’t have that,” the pundit said before adding that Ekitike is ‘electric.’
Hugo Ekitike spreads his arms in appeal during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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“Exciting player, I like the hunger,” James said after hearing Ekitike’s post-match interview. “The only warning I would give is don’t get too frustrated with being frustrated, because that can be detrimental.”
“As a young talent who could get a lot better with more game time, more exposure, with quality players around him like we’ve seen this season, don’t get frustrated by it and just understand that you’ll get better in time and in time you’ll be looking back at this and saying ‘that’s fine.'”
There have clearly been occasions when Ekitike should have done better in front of goal, but he has also had to deal with the pressure of being Liverpool’s primary goalscorer, with Alexander Isak injured and Mohamed Salah not performing.
He has had an excellent first campaign with the Reds and it is not over yet. The hunger is good to see, but Ekitike should give himself some credit; he is doing just fine.
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