Hugo Ekitike is making a name for himself at Liverpool, quickly becoming an important part of the team under manager Arne Slot. Since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, the young French striker has shown his skills in the Premier League, turning potential into real results.
Ekitike recently scored two goals in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory against Newcastle United, highlighting his ability to stay calm and find the net. These goals have brought his total for the season to 15 in all competitions, adding to Liverpool’s attacking strength and suggesting he could be a key player in the club’s future.
With Liverpool aiming for more trophies and the World Cup on the horizon, Ekitike is focused on helping the team succeed and improving his own game.
When asked about his goals for the year, Ekitike said he wants to “achieve something big with Liverpool, so win a trophy.” He also added, “Personally, just keep doing what I’m doing actually. And go to the World Cup with the national team. That would be special, very special.”
Ekitike seems motivated by the challenge of playing for a team that expects to win. He is embracing the chance to help Liverpool continue their success.
Settling into a new club can be tough for any player. Ekitike found it easier thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and familiar language in the Liverpool locker room.
“Ibou [Konate]. I have to say Ibou obviously. He spoke in French to me and explained everything about the club, the people. I have to say, everybody really welcomed me well. Jeremie [Frimpong], Kostas Tsimikas but obviously he is not here anymore. He was really good with me, we talked a lot. But kind of everybody.”
Konate’s advice, along with support from other teammates, has helped Ekitike adjust to the club and the city. The unity within Liverpool’s team has always been a strength, and Ekitike’s comments show how important this is for their performance on the field.
He also mentioned how easily he has integrated behind the scenes.
“I have really good teammates, it’s kind of easy. They are really open to talk. I kind of talk to everybody. They help me in every way. We don’t see each other much outside of the pitch and outside of the training ground and games, but it’s always good times when you’re training and games. They are a really good group of guys.”
Ekitike draws inspiration from some of the best players in the world.
“I have two. I would say Neymar and Karim Benzema are the players that impressed me the most and I was watching the most when I was at home. So I would say those two. Really good football players to watch with assists, goals. [Benzema] because he played the same position and I love the way he plays, he’s a really good football player to watch. He does assists, goals and he plays for the team. That’s what I’m expecting to become.”
He tries to combine skill and effectiveness in his own game, which is important in Slot’s attacking style.
Adapting to the Premier League has pushed Ekitike to improve both physically and mentally.
“Probably the intensity and the number of games we play. And always the highest intensity and level. You can’t play a Premier League game and be at 60 per cent of yourself because you’ll get bullied and you’ll do nothing. So you need to be ready physically, mentally every three days, every week to play every game.”
Ekitike is also enjoying life in Liverpool, even though he finds the local accent challenging.
“I love it but honestly, it’s too difficult for me! But I like it. I’m training, let’s do it after one full season. I will try to speak it more maybe next season. This season, focus more on football.”
Joining Liverpool was an easy decision for him.
“First of all because they are champions last season. You can join the best team in England. How can you say no? And obviously the players, the style of play. I saw myself playing in this team, I was thinking it would look really good. For me that was the best choice. Really easy [decision].”
Outside of football, Ekitike enjoys music, fashion, basketball, and American football. He spends time with his family and finds ways to relax.
He even joked about his skills as a goalkeeper, saying, “One hundred per cent Ali as a striker! I’m terrible [in goal], I could never. Never!”
As Liverpool continues to compete for titles, Ekitike’s goals, personality, and drive are making him an increasingly important player for the team, determined to make a significant impact at Anfield.
