Hugo Ekitike’s standout performance in Liverpool’s home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion has underlined just how vital he has become to Arne Slot’s side this season. The French forward scored twice at Anfield last Saturday, sealing a crucial win for the Reds and extending their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions.
More significantly, the match reinforced a growing narrative around Liverpool’s attack: Ekitike is now the team’s most influential player. According to respected Liverpool analyst David Lynch, the 23-year-old forward has surpassed even Mohamed Salah in terms of consistency and overall impact.
From Supporting Role to Center Stage
At the start of the campaign, Ekitike was not expected to be Liverpool’s focal point in attack. His arrival during the summer transfer window coincided with the signing of Alexander Isak, while Salah’s legendary status at Anfield ensured most of the spotlight remained elsewhere.
Initially viewed as a rotational option, Ekitike quietly went about adapting to a new league, a new system, and a new tactical identity under Slot. As the weeks passed, however, perceptions began to change. Injuries, fluctuations in form, and tactical adjustments opened the door—and Ekitike stepped through it decisively.
The Most Consistent Attacker at Anfield
David Lynch believes there is now little debate about who Liverpool’s most reliable forward is.
“When you really look at it, he’s been the best attacker Liverpool have this season,” Lynch told Sports Mole. “He’s the only forward who has performed consistently from the beginning until now.”
Lynch noted that Mohamed Salah has struggled for rhythm in recent weeks, while Isak has yet to deliver the level of influence expected. Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, has produced mixed performances.
“Ekitike is the only one who keeps delivering, especially right now. It feels like he has become the main man,” Lynch added.
Numbers That Back Up the Eye Test
The statistics strongly support that assessment. Ekitike is currently Liverpool’s top scorer in the Premier League with seven goals. Across all competitions, he has netted 10 times—double the tally of any other Liverpool player this season.
His influence extends beyond goals. Ekitike averages 3.75 shots per 90 minutes, the highest among Liverpool players who have logged at least 180 minutes. He is also Liverpool’s most consistent attacking threat in terms of positioning, movement, and chance generation.
A Complete Forward Profile
One of Ekitike’s greatest strengths is his all-round contribution. Unlike Isak, who often operates on the shoulder of defenders, Ekitike frequently drops deeper to link play and involve teammates.
His average of 34.9 touches per 90 minutes dwarfs Isak’s 24.6, highlighting his greater involvement in Liverpool’s build-up play. He also averages 21.4 passes per 90 minutes, compared to Isak’s 14.4, showcasing his role as a connector rather than a pure finisher.
“Coming into a new environment from a different league, it’s not just his goals that stand out,” Lynch explained. “It’s everything—his link-up play, his touches, and the way he brings others into the game.”
Tactical Growth Under Arne Slot
Ekitike’s evolution has been particularly evident in Liverpool’s pressing structure. While he arrived from a system that already valued aggressive pressing, Slot’s tactical demands required adaptation.
According to Lynch, Ekitike has embraced that challenge.
“He’s had to adjust to a different pressing approach, but you can see how much he’s grown into it,” Lynch said. “All aspects of his game justify calling him Liverpool’s main figure right now.”
Even compared to Salah, Ekitike’s shooting volume per 90 minutes (3.75) exceeds the Egyptian’s 2.66—an indication of how central he has become to Liverpool’s attacking strategy.
Impact on Liverpool’s League Position
Ekitike’s brace against Brighton had broader implications for Liverpool’s season. The victory lifted the Reds to seventh place in the Premier League standings with 26 points, just two points behind Chelsea in fourth.
With the table tightly packed, every win carries significant weight. Liverpool are now firmly back in the conversation for a Champions League finish after a period of inconsistency earlier in the campaign.
Renewed Optimism at Anfield
Liverpool’s recent upturn in form has reignited optimism among supporters, and Lynch believes the Reds still have a strong chance of finishing in the top four.
“They can’t let the gap grow any bigger,” he said. “Before this run, it felt like the distance would keep increasing. Now, it’s manageable.”
Lynch pointed out that Chelsea themselves have struggled with consistency, leaving the door open for Liverpool to close the gap.
“If Liverpool can sustain this small revival, the top four is absolutely within reach,” he added.
Consistency Remains the Key Challenge
Despite the positivity, Lynch cautioned that Liverpool must turn promising performances into regular victories. Draws during otherwise strong runs have prevented the team from climbing higher up the table.
“This is about putting wins together consistently to overtake rivals in the Champions League race,” he said.
With just six points separating fourth-placed Chelsea and 12th-placed Newcastle United, the margin for error is minimal. In such a competitive environment, having a reliable performer like Hugo Ekitike could prove decisive.
As Liverpool push toward the second half of the season, one thing is increasingly clear: the Reds’ hopes may now rest more on Ekitike’s shoulders than anyone else’s.
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