Jermaine Defore has named the key attributes Hugo Ekitike which shows why he should continue to be selected by Arne Slot.
Liverpool took a punt by splashing the cash on Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £79m. The centre forward had a good season at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring an average of 0.46 goals per game in the Bundesliga.
However, Ekitike struggled to have an impact when he played for PSG, so he was somewhat of a risky summer signing.
The Reds also secured Alexander Isak, who has proven experience in the Premier League. Despite this, it is Ekitike who has impressed the Anfield crowd.
Former Premier League striker Jermaine Defoe has been pleased by what he has seen from Ekitike and has backed him to start ahead of Isak.
He told Off Topic Footy: “Everything I’ve seen so far, it’s been top, top level and he’s 23 years old, Ekitike. It’s going to be interesting because obviously signing Isak, massive signing, and he’s going to play as the number nine and it looks like Ekitike is going to play off the left.
“But I just think like, he’s got the shirt right now and not just the goals, but just everything around it. I think he can do everything.”
Ekitike has scored six goals in 16 Liverpool appearances, but his game is about more than just finding the back of the net.
Defoe has been particularly impressed with his athleticism and the intelligence he shows when making runs forward.
“And I went to the game against Bournemouth, first game of the season at Anfield and I just watched him and I watched his movement and how he comes off his timing of his movement and soft touches, the timing of his runs, the opposite movement, the finishing,” Defoe continued.
“The goal against Everton I thought was unbelievable because the run, the touch and the finish is everything that I’d want to coach a centre forward.
“In terms of the timing, the movement, don’t be offside, then when the chance comes, focus on the first touch away from the defender. Think how quick can you get your shot off.”
Isak has only scored once for Liverpool, although he played eight matches fewer than his attacking counterpart. This is due to the striker’s fitness issues, as well as the fact that he only joined his new team at the end of the transfer window.
The Swede will look to establish his place in Slot’s first-choice team after the international break, but Ekitike will look to keep up his performances and give his manager something to think about.
