Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike was one of the best pieces of business they did in the summer transfer window.
The Frenchman was bought for £69 million, and as forwards go, he is clearly one of the best in the world and has made his impact on this Arne Slot team known very early on.
Ekitike has six goal contributions in 10 games in all competitions and shows no signs of slowing down.
His ability on the ball and his movement away from it are second to none, and while Alexander Isak is an incredible striker, he has to take a back seat at this moment in time.
Obtaining the signature of the 22-year-old French international during the window was a statement of intent that Liverpool were not here to make up the numbers this season.
Jermain Defoe says Hugo Ekitike has all the qualities you would want in a striker
While the Premier League is on international break, there is no doubt he will show his qualities for his national team in their World Cup qualifiers.
His praise from ex-professionals has continued to grow since starting for Slot’s side and Jermain Defoe is one of those who has heaped praise on the young star.
When asked on the Could It Be Magic? Podcast, who his favourite striker in the league was besides Erling Haaland, the former Sunderland star said Ekitike without much hesitation.
Defoe explained why he felt that the star was so special, and his belief that he deserves to start over Isak at the moment.
He said: “Yeah, Ekitike. And it’s going to be interesting because they’ve signed Isak and he’s massive signing. And obviously, he’s going to play as the number nine. And it looks like Ekitike is going to play off the left. But I just think that he’s got the shirt right now. And not just the goals, but just everything around it.
“Like, I think he can do everything. And I did the game. I went to the game against Bournemouth, first game of the season at Anfield. I just watched him and I watched his movement. How he comes off, his timing of his movement and soft touches. The timing of his runs, the opposite movement, the finishing.
“The goal against Everton, I thought was unbelievable. Because the run, the touch and the finish, it’s everything that I’d want to coach, a centre forward. In terms of the timing of the movement.
“Then when the chance came, focus on the first touch, away from the defender, then how quick can you get your shot off? Everything I’ve seen so far, it’s been top, top level and he’s 22 years old.”
Hugo Ekitike has the qualities to be the best in the Premier League
It is not difficult to see how good a player this young star is, and with time for him to grow and develop, he could be one of the best strikers in the league very soon.
While Haaland at this moment in time takes top spot, Ekitike has shone whilst the team he is playing in has not been at their best, which shows that he still has more to show off.
There is a difficulty with having Isak in the team, trying to fit the Frenchman in on the left is what will be the likely outcome, but even still, he will still drift into those striker positions.
When the break is over it will be a perfect opportunity for the team and Ekitike to get back to showing why they are the best in the world.
Vezaceikms
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Liverpool got the weapon to hurt the Premier league teams these seasons.