Ekitike rewrites Liverpool's winning formula

There are signings who take time to settle in, but there are also players who step onto the big stage as if they have always belonged there. Hugo Ekitike is the latter.

Ekitike scored consecutive goals for Liverpool.

After just a few weeks in Liverpool's colours, the French striker has become a new inspiration in the Anfield stands, and at the same time given coach Arne Slot a sweet "headache": how to reconcile him with record signing Alexander Isak.

An explosive start at Anfield

In the Merseyside derby of round 5 of the Premier League on the evening of September 20, Ekitike was the name mentioned the most. A cool goal through Jordan Pickford helped Liverpool secure 3 points against Everton. But the impression did not only come from the moment of scoring. It was the way he moved continuously, pressed persistently, threw himself into every challenge and pulled the entire attacking system to operate smoothly.

Fans saw in Ekitike the image of a modern striker: not only knowing how to wait for the ball in the penalty area but also ready to drop back, coordinate, and open up space for teammates. Three goals, one assist after 370 minutes on the pitch - with a high chance conversion rate of 66.7% according to Opta - are cold numbers that prove efficiency.

But Ekitike’s value goes far beyond numbers. He is a “nightmare” for defenders, and a burning flame in Liverpool’s style of play.

From his debut in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, Ekitike quickly won over the Anfield crowd. His enthusiastic fist-bump towards “The Kop” after the 2-1 win over Everton was proof: he was accepted as part of the Liverpool “family”.

Ekitike quickly integrated into the Premier League environment.

The arrival of Ekitike also puts Arne Slot in front of an interesting choice. Liverpool has just spent 125 million pounds to recruit Isak - a record contract in the foggy country. In normal logic, a star worth that much would automatically start. But Ekitike is proving that football does not only revolve around transfer value.

Slot wisely refrained from forcing the two new recruits to play together. He started Ekitike early, enjoying his energy, then replaced him with Isak in the second half – a swap that kept the pressing rhythm and created depth. Former midfielder Danny Murphy admitted: “I think they will split the minutes. One gets 60 minutes, the other 30. But Slot can’t rule out the possibility of experimenting with Ekitike on the left wing or in the No. 10 role.”

Coach Slot himself has also left open the possibility of this duo working together. If successful, Liverpool could have an extremely versatile attack: Isak is a pure striker, sharp in the penalty area, while Ekitike is mobile, ready to stretch the opponent's defense.

Many people compare Ekitike to the classic “number 9”, but in fact he is a rare blend. He has the technique to maneuver in a tight space, the strength to press the center-back, and the speed to break away from the back. In particular, he has a warrior spirit - something that “The Kop” always worships.

Ekitike have scored 4 goals in all competitions this season.

Former defender Stephen Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Every time Ekitike gets the ball you feel the danger. He’s getting better and better and he’s making a big impression.”

Those compliments were not just polite, because the reality on the field proved that Everton, a team that has improved under David Moyes, was almost powerless to control the 23-year-old striker.

Liverpool are not in the groove - and that's the scary thing

What worries the rest of the Premier League is not Liverpool's five-game winning streak, but that they are not yet at 100% strength. Florian Wirtz, the £116m signing, has only shown flashes in a few games. Isak still needs time to get back into rhythm.

However, Liverpool still won, still passed the harsh tests without needing the "last minute miracle" that has made their brand famous over the years.

Slot admitted that the tight schedule affected their performance, but he was still satisfied: “We showed great spirit. After Everton's goal, they had no more chances. That is the strength of this team.”

If Liverpool were like that in the experimental phase, imagine what they will be like when all the pieces - from Ekitike, Isak to Wirtz - come together.

Hugo Ekitike may have only just arrived at Anfield, but he has already breathed new life into Liverpool’s attack. With his goalscoring prowess, hard work and cohesiveness, the Frenchman is more than just a new signing, he is becoming a beacon of hope.

And most importantly, Ekitike puts Slot in a situation that every coach dreams of: possessing too many quality options. When the “headache” comes from an excess of talent, it certainly bodes well for a promising season.

Source: https://znews.vn/ekitike-viet-lai-cong-thuc-chien-thang-cua-liverpool-post1586955.html