Hugo Ekitike has long since proven himself to be an able goalscorer for Liverpool.
The Frenchman has been an instant hit with Reds fans since his summer arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt and took his tally to 15 goals in 32 matches during Saturday’s win over Newcastle.
Ekitike was the catalyst for Liverpool turning the game around, firing in a brilliantly-taken quickfire double just before half-time.
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Livepool scored four brilliant goals against Newcastle, but which was your favourite?
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Seeing him find the net in such deadly fashion was not a surprise for Reds’ supporters who have become used to seeing him turn half a chance into a goal.
What was a bigger shock was the fact that the 23-year-old kept on running, hassling and pressing Newcastle for much of his 84 minutes on the pitch. Having taken a while to hone his physical qualities this season, things are now finally clicking for Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike is finally more than just a goalscorer
Ever since his very first appearances for Liverpool this pre-season, it has been obvious that Ekitike can be a facilitator of goals as well as a scorer of them.
What has been less clear is his ability to lead from the front and press opponents into submission in the manner Roberto Firmino used to, for example.
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The France international has been guilty of coasting through games off the ball at times, and has looked downright exhausted in others. Up until very recently, Ekitike was a virtual bystander in second-halves for Liverpool.
As Arne Slot noted after Saturday’s crucial win, though, that has started to change. As well as highlighting his clinical nature and his bubbly character, the Liverpool head coach made sure he mentioned the fact that Ekitike is now much more reliable off the ball as well.
“I would love to mention the fact that probably didn’t even improve that much on the ball because he was special from the start, but his biggest improvement is his work-rate off the ball and that is so helpful and necessary for any team, let alone for a team that wants to press throughout 95 minutes,” Slot said.
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He’s surely heading past 20
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The one thing missing from Ekitike’s form during his first months at Liverpool had been his ability to maintain a certain standard for more than one half of football.
The game against Newcastle was still not perfect in this sense and it would be nice to see him complete 90 minutes, but it was a big step in the right direction.
If he can add a little more physical endurance to his game, there is no reason Ekitike cannot become one of the most complete strikers around.
He has the finishing ability, the different types of goals, the build-up play, the pace and the aerial presence. This is the one thing missing to complete the armoury.
Slot is starting to see it improve, though, and Liverpool fans are as well. If he keeps on this trajectory, Ekitike is going to be a special, special footballer.
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