{"id":641677,"date":"2025-12-19T06:04:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T06:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/641677\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T06:04:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T06:04:22","slug":"thierry-henry-singles-out-liverpool-star-that-has-surprised-him-since-summer-transfer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/641677\/","title":{"rendered":"Thierry Henry singles out Liverpool star that has &#8216;surprised&#8217; him since summer transfer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry has revealed one summer signing has stood out to him more than the others in the Premier League this season<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1_JS391109842.jpg\" alt=\"Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has given his verdict on Hugo Ekitike\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has given his verdict on Hugo Ekitike<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Thierry Henry has named his countryman Hugo Ekitike as the summer signing he has been most impressed by. The French <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/arsenal-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Arsenal<\/a> icon has been surprised by the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Liverpool<\/a> star and enjoyed watching him ply his trade at Anfield.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ekitike joined Liverpool <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/hugo-ekitike-liverpool-transfer-news-36280632\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">in a deal worth up to \u00a379million<\/a> before the Reds made a <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/hugo-ekitike-liverpool-alexander-isak-35706623\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">record move for Alexander Isak<\/a>. Unlike his team-mate, the 23-year-old <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/liverpool-brighton-highlights-goals-salah-36396577\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">hit the ground running on Merseyside following his transfer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The former Frankfurt forward has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances, including seven in 15 in the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/premier-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Premier League<\/a>. That is despite a spell coming off the bench.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Henry, who received a lifetime achievement award during <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/bbc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">BBC<\/a> <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/sports-personality-bbc-spoty-live-36423609\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Sports Personality of the Year 2025<\/a>, has been impressed that Ekitike has continued to play well despite Liverpool&#8217;s struggles. Arne Slot&#8217;s side sit seventh after winning the league last term.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I\u2019ll go with with Hugo Ekitike, because at the beginning, he had to prove that he could be at Liverpool, and he did,&#8221; Henry <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.betway.com\/football\/premier-league\/thierry-henry-trossards-goals-remind-me-of-freddie-ljungberg\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">said when asked for his most impressive signing as part of Betway column<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/transfer-news\/man-utd-antoine-semenyo-transfer-36425511\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36425511\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Man Utd plan to go &#8216;all out&#8217; for Antoine Semenyo &#8211; and think Pep Guardiola will help them<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/jack-grealish-everton-premier-league-36424692\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36424692\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jack Grealish names &#8216;most skilful&#8217; Premier League player with Bukayo Saka comparison<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Now the club is struggling and he\u2019s still delivering. He surprised me.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I knew he had that in his locker, but I didn\u2019t know it was going to be that quick in terms of how he adapted. Of course, it\u2019s easier to adapt when a team is rolling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;But he adapted, then he went on the bench, didn\u2019t say anything, came back and still scores his goals, so you have to put him up there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-2251047870.jpg\" alt=\"Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Hugo Ekitike has impressed(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Henry also picked out a young star that has caught his eye, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/manchester-city-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Manchester City<\/a> ace Nico O&#8217;Reilly. The 20-year-old has proven versatile under <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/pep-guardiola\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Pep Guardiola<\/a>, and he has picked up two England caps under Thomas Tuchel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal icon Henry has been impressed with how the City academy product has adapted to take his opportunity at the Etihad, as well as his consistency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I would say Nico O\u2019Reilly. I think he\u2019s naturally a central midfielder, I could see he was a bit lost at the beginning, playing on the left and providing the width,&#8221; said Henry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Now he\u2019s getting assists and scoring goals. He defends well, he\u2019s understanding the position, and he plays every game as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/KpLVIG1AXsd0FvfduhjjzO\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you&#8217;re curious, you can read our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n<p>This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/affiliates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1756588163_342_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u00a349<\/p>\n<p>\u00a335<\/p>\n<p>Sky<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=11005&amp;awinaffid=213635&amp;campaign=&amp;clickref=Regionals-FootballLondon&amp;ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Fdeals&amp;platform=pl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Get the deal here<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has slashed the price of its <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=11005&amp;awinaffid=213635&amp;platform=dl&amp;ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Fdeals\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Essential TV and Sky Sports<\/a><\/strong> bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry has revealed one summer signing has stood out to him more&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":641678,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8815],"tags":[748,393,4884,5759,179,763,101,4109,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-641677","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-liverpool","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-england","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-hugo-ekitike","12":"tag-liverpool","13":"tag-liverpool-fc","14":"tag-premier-league","15":"tag-thierry-henry","16":"tag-uk","17":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115744726578382869","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=641677"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641677\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/641678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=641677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=641677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=641677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}