In Liverpool’s latest friendly, all the attention was on Hugo Ekitike, a new signing worth nearly £50 million, who is expected to gradually replace Mohamed Salah in the future. However, instead of a brilliant debut, Ekitike caused many doubts when he performed a below average match…

Ekitike had a rather lackluster Liverpool debutA lackluster debut

The statistics after the match between Yokohama and Liverpool only made the picture of Ekitike even more blurred: this player lost all 4 duels, the passing accuracy rate was only 43%, and did not have any notable finishing shots. Journalists from Liverpool Echo, The Athletic and Mirror all used the words “quiet”, “vague” and “need more time” to describe his performance.

In the match against Yokohama, coach Arne Slot sent Ekitike on the field from the start, arranging him to play as a “number 9” in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, this role did not seem to completely suit the French striker’s style.

Instead of keeping his position as a fixed centre-forward, Ekitike often moves wide, drifting to the flanks, even dropping deep as a second striker or a free agent. The problem is that at Liverpool, that can put him at odds with the satellites around him such as Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai or Salah himself.

Not a classic “number 9”

Ekitike is not good at maneuvering in tight spaces and playing with his back to goal like a classic number 9.

In fact, Ekitike has never been a classic striker. At Reims or PSG, he always played best when he was free to move, occupy space, and make bold sprints from the wing to the inside. It was this style of play that made him once called the “new Mbappe” because of his speed, spontaneity and style quite similar to his senior.

However, that also means Ekitike is not good at playing with his back to goal and is not strong at covering or making walls, important factors when playing as a number 9 for Liverpool.

At Liverpool, where the pressing system and intensity are always at maximum, Ekitike will have to learn to adapt more quickly. He will have to improve his teamwork, be sharp in the penalty area and especially increase his accuracy in handling the ball. These are things that the last match showed that he still lacks quite a lot.

There are still many opportunities.

However, Ekitike still shows effort and potential.

Despite his unimpressive debut, it is not possible to hastily conclude that Ekitike is a “flop”. He is only 22 years old, has not had many opportunities to play regularly at PSG, and now has to get used to a much harsher football environment, the Premier League. The initial difficulties are understandable.

Moreover, even during the match, there were still moments when Ekitike showed his potential. That was a wall pass with Salah that almost created a good chance, a move that stretched the opponent’s defense to open up space for his teammates. Those were positive signs, proving that this player still has special qualities, just needs more time and tactical adjustments.

Coach Arne Slot also appeared quite calm. In the post-match press conference, he emphasized: “Ekitike is an investment contract for the future. He has s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s that fit my philosophy. But clearly, to integrate into this team, Ekitike needs more time to play in real matches and quality training sessions.”

Patience needed from Liverpool and fans

Ekitike needs patience from Liverpool’s coaching staff and fans

A blockbuster signing always comes with pressure, especially when Liverpool are in the midst of a post-Klopp rebuild. But expecting Ekitike to shine immediately may be an unrealistic expectation. With his instinctive and speedy playing style, Ekitike will need to be given opportunities in games that are at the right tempo, rather than rushing to take charge of the attack right from the start.

There have been plenty of players whose careers have been ruined by the pressure of huge transfer fees. Liverpool are no exception. The most notable example is Darwin Nunez, who is likely to be sold this summer.

In short, Hugo Ekitike’s quiet debut is no reason to panic. But it is a reminder that he needs to redouble his efforts, both in improving himself and adapting to Liverpool’s style of play. And with his natural talent, if developed properly, Ekitike could become a special factor in the future of the Anfield team.