Hugo Ekitike is quickly establishing himself as one of Liverpool’s most exciting summer signings, and former Reds midfielder Vladimir Smicer has been left impressed by the French striker’s early performances at Anfield.
Since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million, Ekitike has scored five goals in eight competitive appearances, instantly becoming a key figure in Liverpool’s attacking line-up.
At just 22 years old, the France international has shown composure, intelligence, and sharp finishing that has already won over supporters and teammates alike.
For Ekitike, the move to Merseyside was an easy decision. After speaking with head coach Arne Slot about his plans for the season, he was immediately convinced that Liverpool was the right place to continue his development.
Liverpool’s summer transfer activity focused heavily on bolstering their frontline. Darwin Núñez has departed after three inconsistent seasons, while Federico Chiesa appears to have regained Slot’s trust, turning his early-season form around after a a few promising showings.
Amid these changes, Ekitike’s arrival has stood out. He has already registered six goal contributions in 10 appearances across all competitions, combining speed, technical skill, and surprising strength to reshape Liverpool’s attacking approach.
Fans may have expected flair what they’ve seen instead is a striker who blends elegance with efficiency, drifting intelligently across the frontline, linking play, and arriving in the box at just the right moments.
Slot now faces an intriguing tactical challenge. Alexander Isak is a natural centre forward, while Ekitike thrives when drifting in from the left.
Rather than limiting one player, Liverpool appear to be developing a fluid frontline where both can interchange a flexibility that could become devastating once fully established.
Even in games where Liverpool have struggled, Ekitike’s consistency has impressed, particularly former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer, who knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Smicer, a UEFA Champions League winner and pivotal figure in Liverpool’s 2004–05 Istanbul final comeback against AC Milan, sees qualities in Ekitike reminiscent of elite players who can perform under pressure.
“Hugo Ekitike has truly surprised me,” Smicer said speaking to Boyle Sports. “While I’d seen him play in Frankfurt, his start for Liverpool has been incredibly impressive. He’s scored some wonderful goals, and his movement and technique are at a really high level“
“I really love that he’s so skilful. I believe his best position is centre striker, which is where he’s been playing. It’s going to be interesting perhaps a good headache for the manager. We’ll see.”
Smicer also highlighted the flexibility Ekitike offers:
“He could potentially try different positions, or maybe play behind another striker.
We’ll have to see if he and Alexander Isak can play together; they will definitely have some games where they feature alongside each other. It’s a good problem to have.”
Ekitike’s early-season statistics underline Smicer’s praise. That internal competition is already proving a positive influence, driving both forwards to improve and keeping Liverpool’s attacking options sharp.
“It’s great to have top strikers like Isak and Ekitike in the team,” Smicer added. “It’s good for the squad because with so many games in a season, I believe they’ll both get plenty of opportunities. Sometimes they might even play together, or one might be rested.“
“It’s beneficial for Liverpool to have two such strikers. Of course, it creates competition for both but that’s what makes players better. Just because Isak cost more than Ekitike, it doesn’t mean he’ll play every game.”
“If the competition is healthy and the players are mentally prepared for it, it will only benefit Liverpool.”
Smicer’s praise is especially noteworthy given his own experience in high pressure situations. Having lifted Europe’s most prestigious trophy with Liverpool and experienced the intensity of elite football, he understands what it takes to succeed and he sees in Ekitike the technical skill, composure, and mentality to make a similar impact at Anfield.
His early performances suggest that the Reds may have finally found the perfect mix of youth, skill, and consistency to spearhead Arne Slot’s new era at Anfield.
