Hugo Ekitike is steadily—but convincingly—establishing himself as Liverpool’s undisputed first-choice striker this season. In a squad boasting elite attacking names and record-breaking signings, the 23-year-old Frenchman has emerged not only as a consistent scorer, but as the focal point of Liverpool’s attacking evolution under Arne Slot.
Last Saturday provided a snapshot of Ekitike’s growing importance. Struggling with cramp late in the game, he was substituted in the 78th minute as the board lifted the number 22. As he walked toward the touchline, visibly exhausted, Anfield rose to its feet. The applause was not merely for his effort, but for the two goals that powered Liverpool to a 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Stepping Out of Salah’s Shadow
The spotlight might have been expected to fall on Mohamed Salah, especially following the turbulence of the previous week. Instead, Ekitike’s performance reinforced a growing belief that Liverpool can sustain attacking momentum even during Salah’s absence, with the Egyptian set to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2025.
For the second consecutive Premier League weekend, Ekitike found the net twice. A week earlier at Elland Road, his brace was overshadowed by Liverpool’s late defensive collapse, which saw a 2–0 lead evaporate into a dramatic 3–3 draw against Leeds United. Against Brighton, however, Liverpool held firm, allowing Ekitike’s contribution to take center stage.
Numbers That Put Him in Elite Company
Statistically, Ekitike’s impact has been remarkable. In his first 10 Premier League starts for Liverpool, he has scored seven goals. In the club’s modern era, only Daniel Sturridge managed more in his opening 10 starts, with eight.
Ekitike now stands alongside some of Liverpool’s most iconic attackers. Salah also scored seven goals in the same phase of his Anfield career, while Robbie Fowler and Sadio Mané each recorded six. It is rarefied air—and Ekitike is breathing it comfortably.
Across all competitions, he has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances this season. Notably, he is the first Liverpool player since Mané in the title-winning 2019/20 campaign to reach double figures before Salah, who at the same stage that season had just five goals.
Efficiency has been a defining feature. Ekitike’s seven league goals have come from an expected goals (xG) total of just 4.4, reflecting a clinical finishing rate of 23 percent. Among Premier League players with at least 500 minutes this season, only Erling Haaland boasts a better non-penalty goals-per-90 ratio, at 0.72.
Praise From the Captain
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was quick to highlight Ekitike’s broader contribution.
“He’s very clinical,” Van Dijk said after the Brighton match. “He’s important because of his goals, but also because of the work he puts in. He demands a lot from himself, and we demand a lot from him as well.
“This hasn’t been an easy season, but to come in and produce numbers like this straight away is incredible. That’s what we need. He just has to stay calm and keep working.”
A Crowded Forward Line—and a Clear Leader
Liverpool’s attacking hierarchy was always expected to be a major talking point this season. Ekitike arrived in July in a £79 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, before the club shattered the British transfer record by signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million on deadline day.
Slot consistently insisted that having two elite No.9s was a strength, particularly as he intended to rotate more frequently than during his title-winning debut season in 2024/25. Yet reputations and transfer fees inevitably bring expectations, and the pecking order was never going to remain fluid for long.
Ekitike seized his opportunity early, benefiting from Isak’s delayed fitness after a turbulent summer that included a public standoff to force his move to Anfield. The Frenchman scored in each of his first three appearances before momentum was halted by suspension—a red card picked up after removing his shirt while celebrating a decisive Carabao Cup goal against Southampton.
That absence opened the door for Isak, who made his first league start against Crystal Palace. Yet despite flashes of quality, the Swede struggled to impose himself. Even when he scored his first league goal in a win at West Ham United, Opta data showed he touched the ball just 13 times in 68 minutes.
Forcing the Game, Not Waiting for It
The contrast in styles has been stark. Where Isak often waits for service, Ekitike actively shapes matches. He uses his physical frame to pin defenders, links play intelligently, and drifts wide or runs in behind with equal confidence.
That proactive approach has made him a constant outlet. Among Premier League center-forwards this season, only João Pedro averages more take-ons per 90 minutes than Ekitike’s 3.5. Only Haaland and Igor Jesus attempt more shots per 90 than his 3.1.
Liverpool’s results underline his influence. The club have won seven of the 10 league matches Ekitike has started this season, compared to just one win from six when he has not.
Slot’s Trust and Tactical Fit
Slot has openly praised Ekitike’s development.
“Many people focus on Hugo’s goals, which are very important,” Slot told LFCTV. “But I also see other things—how much stronger he’s becoming. It’s getting harder for opponents to take the ball off him. His energy levels are rising too, running with and without the ball.”
With a full week’s rest before trips to Tottenham Hotspur and then Wolverhampton Wanderers, rotation is unlikely to be a priority.
For now, the picture is clear. Hugo Ekitike has not just filled a role—he has claimed it. Liverpool’s No.9 shirt may be contested, but this season, the spotlight belongs firmly to him.
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