Ekitike impact gathers momentum as Murphy highlights Liverpool striker’s rapid rise
Liverpool’s early-season momentum continues to be shaped by the influence of Hugo Ekitike, with Danny Murphy offering a glowing assessment of the forward’s contribution after another decisive display under Arne Slot. The French striker’s adaptation to life at Anfield has been swift and convincing, and his latest performance against Brighton & Hove Albion underlined why he is quickly becoming central to Liverpool’s attacking identity.
Saturday’s 2-0 victory carried familiar hallmarks: intensity, control and a clinical edge in the final third. At the centre of it all was Ekitike, who struck twice to push his tally to 10 goals in all competitions, including seven in the Premier League. Only Igor Thiago and Erling Haaland currently boast a superior league return, a statistic that reinforces the scale of his early impact.
Brighton performance underlines striker credentials
Ekitike wasted no time asserting himself, opening the scoring inside the first minute with a powerful finish beyond Bart Verbruggen. His second arrived in the latter stages, rising confidently to meet Mohamed Salah’s corner and head home with authority. While the goals told their own story, his wider contribution was just as significant.
Operating with intelligence between the lines, Ekitike linked fluently with Florian Wirtz and played a key role in Liverpool’s build-up play. His willingness to drop deep, combined with his pace on the counterattack, repeatedly unsettled Brighton’s defensive structure. It was a performance defined not only by end product, but by work rate, movement and growing authority.
Murphy assessment reflects growing influence
Murphy, speaking on Match of the Day, was unequivocal in his praise. “He has been the shining light of the new signings. You could argue he’s been, with Szoboszlai, probably Liverpool’s best player this season,” he said.
Reflecting on the striker’s confidence, Murphy added: “For your first chance in the game, that is something. He’s a confident lad. He plays free. He seems to have complete belief in himself. He’ll take shots on from wherever.”
Murphy also highlighted the all-round nature of Ekitike’s game. “When he goes deep, he’s got good technique and good vision. He can run; he’s quick. I thought he grew in the second half and got even better. He was wanting to be the main man and make an impact on the game.”
That appetite to lead the line has not gone unnoticed by supporters. Murphy pointed to the striker’s physical presence and commitment off the ball as traits that resonate at Anfield. “His work rate was good off the ball. You need that when you play for Liverpool. With his height and his presence, he’s going to get plenty of headers. The fans have taken to him. He’s been sensational.”
Slot manages workload amid demanding schedule
The only concern to emerge from an otherwise dominant afternoon was Ekitike’s late withdrawal, prompted by cramp rather than injury. Slot addressed the situation after the match, offering reassurance over the striker’s condition.
“Just before I took him off, there was a moment he could hardly walk anymore because of cramp,” the Liverpool head coach explained. “What I see with him is all the players we brought had to adapt to the Premier League because of intensity.”
Slot expanded on the physical demands placed on his squad, noting Ekitike’s progression. “Some of them had to adapt to the Premier League and the Champions League. I see all of them making progress in that. Hugo had cramp today, but I can assure you he did twice as much at the beginning of the season when I had to take him off.”
As Liverpool navigate a relentless fixture list, managing Ekitike’s workload will be crucial. Yet with form, confidence and goals flowing, his emergence is fast becoming one of the defining narratives of Liverpool’s campaign.
