Hugo Ekitike was the standout performer as Liverpool returned to form with a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, delivering the kind of composure, energy, and attacking intelligence that has been missing in recent weeks.
After an early scare from Rasmus Kristensen, Liverpool quickly found their rhythm, and it was Ekitike’s calm, precise finish that set the tone for a dominant display.
The French forward’s performance highlighted not just his talent, but also the potential for Liverpool’s attacking line to operate at its best. After being dropped for the Chelsea and Manchester United games, Ekitike proved his worth emphatically. With Alexander Isak forced off through injury, the 23-year-old’s importance to the side is only set to grow.
Since making his debut in the Community Shield, Ekitike has injected much-needed versatility into Liverpool’s forward areas. In just eight appearances, he has contributed six goal involvements, including five goals a remarkable start that places him alongside some of the club’s greats, including Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Kenny Dalglish. To see his name join theirs at this early stage of his Liverpool career is testament to his immediate impact.
Hugo Ekitike is only the 7th player in the last 60 years to score in at least 5 of his first 8 starts for Liverpool in all comps:
Kenny Dalglish (6)
John Aldridge (8)
Ronny Rosenthal (6)
Don Hutchison (5)
Mo Salah (6)
Diogo Jota (5)
??Hugo Ekitike (5)#LFC— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) October 22, 2025
The night in Frankfurt also demonstrated what Liverpool can achieve when their attacking unit clicks. The combination of Ekitike, Isak (before his injury), and Cody Gakpo was dynamic, fluid, and difficult to defend against. Arne Slot’s tactical tweaks, particularly his deployment of a 4-2-2-2 formation, allowed Liverpool freedom in attack without sacrificing defensive balance. Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones controlled midfield proceedings with intelligence and authority, while Florian Wirtz provided two assists, linking play with creativity and purpose.
Defensively, the Reds were solid, particularly from set pieces. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté dominated the box, turning two perfectly delivered corners into goals. The team showed the precision and timing that has often been missing, highlighting how preparation and execution can pay dividends when fully aligned.
Slot was full of praise for Ekitike after the match while the performance was encouraging, it was not without caveats. Alexander Isak’s groin injury forced him off at half-time, and Jeremie Frimpong also limped off early. Mohamed Salah, once again coming off the bench, showed glimpses of brilliance but continues to raise questions about his role in Slot’s system. Liverpool cannot rely solely on individual talent; structure, balance, and cohesion remain vital.
Nonetheless, Wednesday’s display provided a blueprint for how Liverpool can navigate the season’s challenges. After a turbulent stretch of four consecutive defeats, the Reds demonstrated what they are capable of when all the pieces fall into place. The attacking rhythm was smooth, movement intuitive, and the confidence palpable.
Liverpool’s season has been defined by extremes: seven wins in a row at the start of the campaign, followed by four successive defeats that exposed vulnerabilities and raised questions over cohesion and squad depth. Social media hyperbole has often exaggerated both the highs and lows, but rationality remains crucial. Frankfurt offered a corrective a night of clarity, precision, and attacking fluency that Liverpool desperately needed.
Looking ahead, the Premier League will present sterner tests. Brentford on Saturday will provide less space and patience than Frankfurt, testing Liverpool’s defensive organisation, press, and midfield rhythm. But the victory proved that with bold selection, tactical flexibility, and attacking freedom, Liverpool can still deliver performances worthy of their tradition.
Ekitike’s brilliance, Slot’s tactical acumen, and the team’s restored rhythm all offer cause for optimism. The Reds may not be out of their mini-crisis yet, but Wednesday showed that the blueprint for recovery is clear. If maintained, Liverpool could yet navigate the season with the confidence and identity that has defined them for more than a decade.
