Is Hugo Ekitiké the Right Fit for Liverpool’s System?
Calendar icon Updated 21 Jul 11:24

Is Hugo Ekitiké the Right Fit for Liverpool’s System?

Giorgi Natsvlishvili

Amidst the tumultuous summer transfer window, Liverpool have just pulled off one of the most talked-about signings. The Reds have paid around €95 million to buy French striker Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. 

If you didn’t know his name before, you’d better learn it now, because he might just be about to change the rhythm of Liverpool’s attack.

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Briefly About Hugo Ekitiké

Born in 2002, the French youngster started his career at the Reims youth academy. It wasn’t long before PSG noticed him and made a permanent transfer in 2023. However, he had limited minutes and eventually moved to Eintracht.

The previous 2024/25 season is when he really made a breakthrough in the soccer world. In 33 appearances, Ekitiké scored 15 goals, delivered eight assists, and earned a spot on the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the season.

Standing at 6.3 feet tall, he’s agile and doesn’t hesitate to take on defenders. But more than that, he plays with confidence. That’s something you can’t teach.

Why Liverpool Made This Transfer?

Liverpool usually don’t spend big, but this summer has been different. This signing feels intentional. With rumours around Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz potentially leaving the club, it was clear the Reds needed a new face up top. 

Arne Slot, stepping into Klopp’s massive shoes, seems to be building something new. Ekitiké fits his system. He’s young, expressive, and just unpredictable enough to unsettle Premier League defenders.

The Slot System: Is Ekitiké Built for It?

Slot loves high-energy and fluid soccer. Interchanging positions, quick pressing, sharp movement – this is what the Dutch manager normally applies on the pitch. 

Ekitiké might not be a traditional false nine or an out-and-out target man, but he offers a little bit of everything.

Where Does He Stand Among Liverpool’s Forwards?

Liverpool’s attack is stacked for now. But each forward brings something different. For example, Darwin Núñez has energy, but his finishing is subpar. Ekitiké feels calmer in front of the goal.

Luis Díaz is renowned for his explosive play on the wing. Ekitiké is more central, but can still drift wide. That is a great asset that will likely do Liverpool good.

Recent signing Florian Wirtz isn’t a typical striker, but he sometimes likes to go deep into the offence. Ekitiké would thrive feeding off his passes.

And of course, there’s the legendary Mohamed Salah. Despite his age, the Egyptian’s qualities have never diminished. He could be a mentor to the French forward. 

What Could Go Wrong?

There are always risks associated with such large transfers. Ekitiké hasn’t played in England before. The Premier League can be a brutal reality check. Some big names have come in with hype and left with nothing but regrets. Liverpool know that all too well.

He’ll also have to adapt to the physical pace of the English game. Compared to the Bundesliga, the speed is completely different. Furthermore, Liverpool impose a relentless pressing game, which requires a lot of physical effort. 

There will also be pressure from the fans. However, I believe that thanks to his mentality, he can quickly fit into the squad. 

Final Thoughts

Is Ekitiké the perfect fit for Liverpool’s system? No one can answer that question for sure yet. But from where I’m sitting, he’s got every tool to become a Premier League star. He’s got the touch, the vision, and most importantly – the determination.

Don’t be surprised if he bags double digits by February. Slot’s system might just unlock the best version of him.

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