Ekitike determined to build on bright Liverpool start
Strong opening chapter at Anfield
Hugo Ekitike has expressed his determination to maintain momentum after making an impressive start to life at Liverpool. The French forward joined from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer and has already found the net five times in his first eight appearances for the club.
At just 23 years of age, Ekitike has shown signs of being a valuable attacking option in Arne Slot’s developing side. Having served a suspension that kept him out of the Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace, he is now available for selection once more as Liverpool prepare for a testing Champions League fixture away to Galatasaray.
The striker reflected on his adaptation to English football, crediting his teammates and staff for helping him settle quickly. “Everything goes well. You know how football is, you need to keep going and stay consistent,” he said, underlining the importance of maintaining high standards.
Competition and partnerships in attack
Liverpool’s decision to bolster their forward line with Alexander Isak has generated intrigue around how Slot will manage his options. For Ekitike, the presence of another high-profile striker is not seen as a threat but rather an opportunity.
“I can’t see one big club playing with only one striker. It’s good that he’s here,” Ekitike noted, emphasising his willingness to adapt. Comfortable in a two-man forward system as well as operating alone, he views tactical flexibility as a strength. His comments reflect a maturity and acceptance that squad depth is essential for competing across multiple competitions.
Lessons from suspension and tactical freedom
Ekitike’s Carabao Cup red card against Southampton was a blemish on an otherwise encouraging start. The forward admitted it was a mistake and apologised to teammates. “I punished myself alone… that kind of thing won’t happen again,” he admitted, eager to draw a line under the incident.
Slot has so far granted his new signing significant freedom in the attacking third. Rather than imposing rigid instructions, the Liverpool head coach has encouraged Ekitike to express his qualities, whether linking up play or exploiting space behind defences. This balance of discipline and creativity appears to suit the Frenchman, who thrives when given responsibility to influence matches.
Ambitions in Europe and reasons for the move
Asked why he chose Liverpool this summer, Ekitike pointed to the club’s status, history and ambition. “It just fit with what I was looking for after Frankfurt. It was the best option,” he explained, describing the decision as a natural step in his career.
His early Champions League experiences at Paris Saint-Germain were limited to a watching brief, but now he is relishing the chance to contribute directly. “Now it’s my time being someone who can help the team to reach success. I will give 100 per cent of myself,” he declared.
Facing Galatasaray away represents a stern examination, with the hostile atmosphere and high stakes providing a different challenge to domestic fixtures. Yet Ekitike remains confident, noting that connections within the squad will only improve as the season develops.
For Liverpool, his performances in these early weeks suggest a forward with the mentality and skill set to make a lasting impression at Anfield. The signs are that Ekitike has both the confidence and humility required to flourish in one of football’s most demanding environments.
