Ekitike is a bargain for Liverpool.

Once overlooked at PSG, Hugo Ekitz is proving his worth at Liverpool thanks to valuable lessons learned from Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.

Once overlooked at PSG, Hugo Ekitz is proving his worth at Liverpool thanks to valuable lessons learned from Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.

Once a "reserve player" at PSG, Hugo Ekitz is now a shining star at Liverpool. He carries with him lessons learned from Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, along with a burning desire to prove himself at Anfield.

Ekitike among the giants

Ekitike didn't have a flashy football childhood. He didn't grow up in a prestigious academy, nor did he rise to fame with lightning-fast goals. But Ekitike lived in the world of giants. While playing for PSG, he trained every day alongside Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. He didn't get to play much, but he observed. And he learned.

“From Messi, I learned to see things more quickly,” Ekitike said. “Neymar taught me how to control the ball and be skillful. Mbappe helped me understand off-ball runs. I learned a lot from them.”

That statement wasn't just about respect, but also about acknowledging that he was following in their footsteps. Ekitike knew he couldn't be a replica of those three legends. But he could take every detail, every habit, every glance to improve himself.

At Liverpool, Ekitike is on that path. He has scored 6 goals in 15 games. He was once sent off for taking off his shirt to celebrate a goal in the League Cup. Manager Arne Slot called the action "stupid," but Ekitike just laughed: "Now I remember to keep my shirt on." He understands that Slot is helping him grow.

"He always pushes me. It would be bad if the coach didn't say anything. He wants me to be better, and I understand that's a good thing," Ekitike said.

Ekitike is settling in quickly at Liverpool.

Ekitike doesn't have the air of a star. He's diligent, quiet, and a learner. The French forward doesn't complain about being played on the wing, nor does he grumble about being substituted early. The former PSG player just wants to move forward, step by step. And those steps are bringing him back into the battle for the number 9 spot at Liverpool.

His direct rival is Alexander Isak, the club's record signing. But Isak is injured, and Ekitike has been given the opportunity to start. He understands that every match now is a test.

“I can play with Isak,” he said. “We’ll learn how to find each other.” A short statement, but it perfectly encapsulates the spirit Slot wants: playing for the team, not for oneself.

An opportunity for Ekitick to prove itself.

Ekitike faces Manchester City, with Erling Haaland at the other end of the pitch. “He’s one of the best strikers in the world,” Ekitike admitted. “Haaland can make a difference without touching the ball much. I’ve learned a lot watching him.”

That statement is like a mirror image: Haaland is the epitome of a modern striker, with few touches but always effective. Ekitike is learning to get closer to that model.

Ekitike is Liverpool's hope.

Ekitike's journey has never been easy. From Reims to Denmark seeking opportunities, then back to France, then to Germany, and now England. Each change of team has been a fresh start. But Ekitike hasn't lost faith. Mbappe, who once considered him like a younger brother, congratulated him when Liverpool beat Real Madrid.

"He saw how much I struggled at PSG, so he's very happy that things are better now," Ekitike recounted.

Now, standing at Anfield, he is no longer a young reserve player in the spotlight. He is Liverpool's center forward, learning to mature by drawing lessons from three legends.

Messi taught him vision. Neymar taught him emotion. Mbappe taught him speed and ambition. Arne Slot is teaching him perseverance. And Ekitike is teaching Liverpool something they once forgot: talent doesn't just come from instinct, but from humility and a relentless will to learn.

Source: https://znews.vn/ekitike-la-mon-hoi-cua-liverpool-post1601192.html